Escalating electricity and gas prices are pushing more regional Victorians to turn to free community meal programs, a social welfare organisation says.
Every day, Uniting Ballarat workers and volunteers roll up their sleeves to dish out roasts, lasagne and stir fry to a steady stream of patrons who cannot afford to cook.
But lately that number has been increasing, according to senior manager of homelessness Adam Liversage.
"I have come across people in our meals program who say, 'I can't afford my utility bills, my gas or electricity has been cut, so I can't cook at home,'" he said.
The number of people in need is not likely to diminish any time soon.
Today the Electricity Services Commission (ESC) announced a 25 per cent increase in electricity costs in Victoria from July 1.
The final 2023-24 Victorian Default Offer will result in a $352 annual increase for residential customers.
Typical bills for residential customers under the offer will increase from $1,403 to $1,755 next financial year.
For small business customers that means an increase from $3,039 to $3,791, according to the ESC.
Women, younger people in need
Uniting Ballarat's projections show its meal program BreezeWay will have served more than 3,800 meals by the end of May.
This is an increase of 1,000 meals compared to May last year and 800 more than were served in December.
The service has reported an increase in people seeking help for the first time, including people aged 25-35 and women.
The number of people seeking help through Uniting Ballarat's emergency relief services has also increased, by 25 per cent.
The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) is calling for more government action to protect people on low incomes who are struggling to pay their energy bills.
"Governments must step in to do more to provide income and debt relief now for people with the least and to prevent future price increases," chief executive Cassandra Goldie said in a statement today.
ACOSS wants the federal government to extend the cap on wholesale gas to 2025, lift JobSeeker payments to at least $76 per day, and double the rates of Commonwealth rent assistance.
The organisation is also calling for the federal government to work with energy retailers to provide debt relief for customers in energy hardship.
Prices rising around the country
Uniting Ballarat group manager of homelessness Jerry Ham said people who wee struggling should reach out to welfare services that could help them deal with their utility company and provide other energy support.
Government assistance is available through the Victorian government's $250 power saving bonus cash payment and the federal government's $250 energy bill relief for those who receive Centrelink payments.
Electricity prices will also rise in other states.
Today the Australian Energy Regulator announced its electricity default market offer for New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.
Price increases in those states will range between 21 to 24 per cent depending on the network areas people live in.
About 15 per cent of Victorian households are on the Victorian Default Offer.
The offer provides a reference price for all consumers when comparing retail offers, but electricity retailers can offer discounted prices below the default offer to attract customers.
