The Hon. Stephen Patterson, Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero (SA), Media Release, 7 May 2025
The cost of keeping the lights on continues to rise under the Malinauskas Labor Government, with two reports released today confirming significant increases in the cost of wholesale electricity.
Reports from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) show wholesale electricity prices in South Australia in the first quarter of this year have reached $98 per MWh, a 17 per cent increase from Q1 2024.
The reports also highlighted ongoing challenges in maintaining a reliable energy supply, with AEMO forced to intervene to ensure the stability of the grid more than 60 per cent of the time between January and March this year.
Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero, Stephen Patterson, said this intervention added an estimated $21.5 million to the wholesale price, which will ultimately be passed onto consumers.
“South Australians are already paying record high power bills, and these increases will cause more pain. I am deeply concerned about how this will impact households and businesses,” Mr Patterson said.
“The rising cost of living is already a significant burden, and these increases in electricity prices only add to the financial strain on families and businesses across our State.
“Despite these challenges, the Malinauskas Labor Government has shelved their $1 billion hydrogen power plant, the only energy policy they presented at the last State Election.
“This decision leaves South Australians without a clear plan to address the rising power prices and Labor’s lack of a coherent energy policy is leaving working South Australian families in the lurch.
“The Liberal Party remains committed to ensuring that energy remains affordable and reliable for all South Australians, and we urge the Government to prioritise practical solutions that will deliver real benefits to our community.”
