Electricity Costs in Remote Aboriginal Communities

In reply to the Hon. C. BONAROS ().15 June 2023).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Energy and Mining has advised:

1. The final decision made by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) on the Cowell Electric Supply Pty Ltd licence amendment required Cowell Electric to report to ESCOSA quarterly on metering metrics.

ESCOSA has confirmed that Cowell Electric has delivered its fourth and final quarterly report.

The final decision did not provide that ESCOSA would publish this data quarterly, only that it would be published.

2. ESCOSA will publish data in accord with the final decision.

3. From July 2022 to March 2023, Cowell Electric reported a number of self­disconnections. It was reported that some intentional self-disconnections were where residents left their homes for extended periods of time. ESCOSA is continuing to assess and verify these matters.

4. ESCOSA is reviewing the available data and preparing its initial analysis for publication. Following publication, ESCOSA will commence a review in accord with its final decision.