Victoria energy disconnections surge amid cost-of-living crisis

Complaints regarding gas and electricity disconnections in Victoria have doubled between April and June compared to the same period last year, according to data from the state’s Energy and Water Ombudsman. This surge occurs amid a continuing cost-of-living crisis.

Additional data indicates that complaints involving debt collection have risen by 58 per cent over the past 12 months, while cases involving customers struggling to pay utility bills increased by 28 per cent year-on-year.

Consumer advocates, including the Consumer Action Law Centre, have expressed concern, stating that retailers have an obligation to assist customers facing energy debt. Advocates are calling for disconnections to be treated as an ‘absolute last resort’ or to be outlawed entirely to protect struggling households.