The Nationals’ Melina Bath has criticised the Allan Government’s Midday Power Saver announcement for attempting to hoodwink Victorians into believing its policy is new.
Ms Bath said households already have access to energy plans offering up to four hours of free daytime electricity.
“A simple comparison of market offers for households shows free power in the middle of the day is already available through a number of energy retailers,” Ms Bath said.
“Telling the public to wait until October for a government policy that already exists in the market, exposes Labor’s scheme as a gimmick dressed up as cost-of-living support.”
Ms Bath warned Labor’s plan to force retailers to offer free daytime electricity risks pushing electricity costs higher outside these times.
“It’s likely to place pressure on families who rely on morning and evening power and cannot shift their usage to the middle of the day.
“Families should be able to choose an energy deal that suits their households’ needs and usage, Labor’s plan will disadvantage renters, low-income families, and shift, retail and office workers.”
Ms Bath urged Victorians to use independent comparison tools to find real savings, rather than wait until October for a government scheme that offers nothing new.
“In the current economic climate, even small increases in power bills put real pressure on household budgets.
“At a time when rising cost pressures are stretching household budgets thin, the government should focus on delivering real cost-of-living relief, not gimmicks designed to fool Victorians into thinking they’re getting it better.”
