Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann MP has called for the Turnbull Government to put plans in place to halt the rise of electricity prices.

“One of the costs most closely watched by local families is their power bill," Mr Neumann said. Unfortunately, despite only being a few days into 2017, we already have news of rising power prices.”

"Unfortunately, despite only being a few days into 2017, we already have news of rising power prices.

“While people in Ipswich and the Somerset are forced to bear this cost, the Turnbull government has completely failed to provide any leadership or action on the long-term future of power prices in Australia.

“Last year, 18 organisations ranging from the Business Council of Australia to St. Vincent de Paul to Energy Networks Australia all called for an end to this policy uncertainty. Even in light of this, there has still been a complete lack of action.”

Mr Neumann said that the Turnbull government’s refusal to consider an Emission Intensity Scheme for the electricity sector would start to hurt Ipswich and Somerset Region families.

“Despite independent experts estimating that an EIS would save households and businesses $15 Billion in energy bills over a decade, Malcolm Turnbull has let internal Coalition Party politics get in the way of lowering the cost of living for families and backed down on this important reform.

“To prevent 2017 becoming the year of rising energy prices, the Turnbull government needs to stop avoiding this issue and put in place a long-term plan to tackle rising electricity prices.”