Utilities

Access to affordable utilities services (Electricity, Gas, Water and Sewerage) is essential for all Territorians. Large price rises for some utilities have occurred on several occasions since 2009 and have had a significant impact on cost of living pressures for many Territorian households. For some Territory households the cost of utilities leads them to experience ‘utilities poverty’ because they can’t afford the level of energy or water they need, and either ration their use, or face disconnection for non-payment, or because their prepayment meters.

Being one of the most sparsely populated places on the planet makes provision of utilities services a highly challenging and costly task for the Northern Territory.

NTCOSS advocates to improve access to essential energy and water for low income and disadvantaged Territorian households, specifically through:

  • fair pricing to ensure that all Territory households can access energy and water to meet their essential needs
  • adequate concessions to offset the impact of utilities on a household’s budget for low income and disadvantaged Territory households