Energy and water
Energy and water are essential services for all Victorian households. But for many in our community, access to sufficient electricity, gas and water is compromised by low incomes, financial hardship and inability to decrease unnecessary consumption.
Fuel poverty is when a household can’t afford to buy the amount of energy they need, and either ration their usage or face disconnection for non-payment. VCOSS works to improve access to essential energy and water for vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorian households. We are involved in government and industry decision-making processes around utilities policy and regulation and inform the government about relevant social issues. VCOSS also undertakes awareness-raising in the general community, and helps community and welfare organisations assist and advocate for clients having difficulties with energy and water bills.
VCOSS is currently focusing on the following areas:
- Advocating for disadvantaged consumers in the developing National Energy Market policy framework (that will eventually replace state energy policy)
- Investigating how to improve energy and water efficiency for disadvantaged and vulnerable households
- Ensuring that energy and water affordability is maintained through government concessions
- Exploring the impact that door to door marketing of energy has on vulnerable consumers
We raise these issues in our annual State Budget Submission. Download the climate change chapter in the VCOSS 2009-10 State Budget Submission. Following each budget VCOSS writes an analysis of the Government’s spending commitments.
Publications such as reports, research summaries, issues papers and more are listed here. If you would like to find out more about VCOSS work with energy and water issues contact the VCOSS Energy Policy Officer.
Sarah Toohey
sarah.toohey@vcoss.org.au