PIAC responded to the NSW Government’s draft Plan to Save NSW Energy and Money. The draft plan is part of broader consultation on the draft Climate Change Strategic Plan. PIAC believes the development of this plan is a positive step in assisting NSW households to reduce energy consumption and lower bill costs through energy efficiency measures. PIAC recommends the NSW Government ensure the plan takes into account the impact on all residential households in accessing energy efficiency benefits. This includes those on a low income, tenants, homeowners, residential park communities, and consumers where barriers to access exist. PIAC is concerned that social inequality will escalate if NSW does not appropriately plan on how all households can fairly access this market and receive long term benefits from energy efficient practices. PIAC urges the NSW Government to prioritise support for low-income or vulnerable consumers when implementing its emission saving policies, operations and advocacy to the Commonwealth and COAG Energy Council.
