POWER PRICE OUTRAGE

The Minns Labor Government has been accused of slugging NSW families and small businesses with higher power bills, despite a dramatic fall in wholesale electricity prices.

During Budget Estimates hearings, Energy Minister Penny Sharpe acknowledged that energy prices in NSW have increased by 20 per cent, even as wholesale electricity prices have dropped by around 50 per cent.

The admission has raised serious questions about why households are paying significantly more for power at a time when the underlying cost of electricity generation has fallen so sharply.

Under questioning, Minister Sharpe indicated that the price increases were helping fund Labor’s renewables rollout, a transition the Opposition argues has been poorly planned, rushed, and mismanaged.

Shadow Minister for Energy James Griffin said the revelation confirms what families and businesses have been experiencing for months: soaring energy bills with no relief in sight.

“Families are opening their power bills and wondering how on earth prices can keep going up when we’re told wholesale costs are going down,” Mr Griffin said.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer said, “Instead of delivering savings to households, the Minns Labor Government is using higher energy prices to bankroll its own policy failures. People have every right to feel frustrated and angry.”

“Energy affordability should be a top priority for the Government, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis that is already placing enormous pressure on mortgage holders, renters, retirees, and small businesses,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Electricity is not a luxury it’s an essential service. When power bills jump by 20 per cent, it hits family budgets hard and puts additional strain on local employers who are already struggling with rising costs across the board.”

“Regional communities are being disproportionately impacted by rising energy costs and ongoing uncertainty around supply and reliability.

“People across our electorate are crying out for cheaper, more reliable energy,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Instead, they’re seeing higher prices and hearing excuses. Regional households and small businesses cannot continue to shoulder the burden of poor planning and delayed infrastructure.”

Mr Dwyer called on the Minns Labor Government to provide greater transparency around how energy pricing decisions are being made and to outline a clear pathway to deliver genuine bill relief.

The Opposition is demanding that the Government explain why retail electricity prices are rising so sharply despite significant falls in wholesale costs, and what safeguards are in place to ensure NSW consumers are not being unfairly penalised.

“With cost-of-living pressures continuing to bite, the debate over energy policy is set to remain front and centre, as households demand answers about when, and if meaningful price relief will arrive,” Mr Dwyer said.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Robert's Media Releases

Motorists using the Oxley Highway into Port Macquarie are being urged to take action

I NEED YOU TO HELP SPEED UP OXLEY HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS

by Robert Dwyer • 3 March 2026

Motorists using the Oxley Highway into Port Macquarie urged to take action,formally request improvements to one region’s busiest, most critical transport corridors.

The homelessness crisis in New South Wales is continuing to spiral out of control under Labor

HOMELESSNESS SURGES UNDER LABOR

by Robert Dwyer • 11 February 2026

The homelessness crisis in New South Wales is continuing to spiral out of control under Minns Labor Govt. New figures revealing the scale of the emergency.

Robert Dwyer MP has co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Parliamentary Friends of Parkinson’s.

Parliamentary Friends of Parkinson’s Launched at NSW Parliament

by Robert Dwyer • 10 February 2026

Robert Dwyer MP has co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Parliamentary Friends of Parkinson’s at Parliament House, marking an important step in raising awareness.

Local Businesses Encouraged to Apply for NSW EV Fast-Charging Grants

by Robert Dwyer • 10 February 2026

Local Businesses Encouraged to Apply for NSW EV Fast-Charging Grants Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is encouraging local businesses across the Mid North Coast to apply for NSW Government funding to install electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations, as part of ongoing efforts to expand clean transport infrastructure across the state. Under Round 4 of the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, funding has been allocated to help make EV ownership more convenient, accessible and reliable for motorists, particularly in regional areas. Mr Dwyer said the program has been updated to better reflect its long-term focus, including overcoming range anxiety, improving connectivity between metropolitan and regional NSW, and future-proofing the EV charging network beyond 2030. “Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in areas like the Mid North Coast, and it’s important our infrastructure keeps pace with demand,” Mr Dwyer said. “Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $20 million to install fast-charging stations, which will give drivers confidence to travel between towns and regions.” Mr Dwyer said the grants also present an opportunity for local businesses to attract visitors and support the regional economy. “Fast-charging stations encourage motorists to stop, shop and spend time in our communities, delivering real benefits for local businesses and tourism,” he said. “This is a practical investment that supports local jobs, strengthens our visitor economy and helps reduce transport emissions at the same time.” “By working together with local businesses, we can ensure the Mid North Coast is well positioned to benefit from the shift to electric vehicles and remain a connected, attractive destination for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Dwyer said. Businesses are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply through the NSW Government grants at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/round-4-drive-electric-nsw-ev-fast-charging-grants Applications close 24th April 2026 at 11:00pm Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977 or 0409 834 648

Celebrating Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley: 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Finalist

Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley Highlighted in Parliament

by Robert Dwyer • 9 February 2026

Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley, a proud Birrbay and Dunghutti woman , has been named a finalist for the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award.

Robert Dwyer warns Digital Work Systems Bill will hurt regional jobs and businesses

by Robert Dwyer • 4 February 2026

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has criticised the NSW Government’s Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025, warning it will impose new compliance burdens on regional employers, undermine innovation, and create uncertainty for businesses already under pressure.

Get in touch

POWER PRICE OUTRAGE