Lives at risk due to electricity price hike

A 13.29 percent electricity price hike announced today by the Queensland Competition Authority will result in significant financial hardship and risk the lives of some people with spinal cord injuries.

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said that people who require air conditioners due to their physical intolerance to heat and cold may risk not using them given the increased electricity costs they will incur.

“We have been asking the State Government for some time to introduce a Medical Cooling Electricity Rebate, which some other states already have introduced, ” Mr Henley said.

“Some of our members (those who have high-level paraplegia or quadriplegia) experience major health issues as they have a physical intolerance to heat. They lose the ability to regulate their body temperature, which can result in life threatening medical complications.

“It is imperative that they live in an environment where they can control their temperature so air conditioners are not a luxury, but essential items for their health and well-being. If they can’t afford to use them, they are at serious risk.

“We have said before that because of the current electricity costs, there is an urgent need to cover the costs of operating air conditioners through such a rebate.

“This has now become even more dire following today’s announcement.”

Mr Henley called on the Queensland Government to urgently introduce concessions or rebates for people who are unable to regulate their body temperatures.

Issued 28 May 2010