I am advised:

Access to reliable and affordable energy is a top priority for this Government.

The Government has implemented a range of measures to keep downward pressure on energy prices. These measures include the energy affordability package for households and businesses retail price deregulation, network reforms, and supporting the work that the Prime Minister and the Commonwealth Government are leading.

Energy Affordability

The Government announced a new energy bill relief package for households and small businesses across New South Wales. This package aims to help customers reduce their bills.

The Government has increased all rebates by 20 per cent, which will help about 900,000 customers who are finding things particularly tough. Under this package, the Low Income Household Rebate which is open to many concession card holders has increased from $235 to $285. The Family Energy Rebate has increased from $150 per year to $180 per year, and the Gas Rebate has increased from $90 to $110.

The increased rebates came into effect immediately. In addition, Newcastle⁄Wallsend residents may be interested to know that discounts to upgrade to energy efficiency appliances will be available from early 2018.

I am also pleased to advise that the Government has also taken action to abolish key fees and charges. Early termination fees will be abolished, along with fees for receiving paper bills and paying at Australia Post.

Deregulation

The Government deregulated retail electricity prices in 2014 and retail gas prices in July this year, and appointed IPART as the market monitor to ensure the electricity and gas markets remain competitive.

IPART has just released its draft market monitoring report.

It found that the Government's reforms have delivered increased competition and savings for households and businesses across New South Wales.

There are nine new retailers competing in the market since deregulation, giving customers more choice and increasing the potential to save money.

The market share of smaller retailers has increased from seven per cent to 13 per cent and the number of small customers on market offers has risen from 63 per cent to 77 per cent.

The increased competition has also driven more innovative products and better services. Retail electricity price deregulation was especially important for regional New South Wales residents, who once had no choice in their retailer and can now choose between multiple providers.

Network reforms

In addition to deregulating retail electricity and gas prices, the Government also undertook significant network reforms.

In 2015, this Government made a commitment that, as part of the lease of the New South Wales poles and wires, network charges will be lower in 2019 than they were in 2014.

This promise relates to network charges which make up nearly 50 per cent of a customer's bill.

These charges are being monitored by Professor Alan Fels, the NSW Electricity Price Commissioner, who oversees the implementation of the price guarantee.

I am pleased to say the New South Wales networks are meeting their price guarantee commitment.

The Government took action by implementing a network reform program. This is because network costs have been one of the main drivers for rising energy prices as a result of ensuring safe and reliable operation of the electricity network.

The latest IPART market monitoring draft report confirms that the Government's actions have resulted in a decrease in the network-component of annual electricity bills by an average of $300 over the past four years.

This has helped to moderate the current increase in energy bills for households and businesses. IPART's draft market monitoring report confirmed that wholesale price rises are to blame for the recent increases in electricity prices. However, according to IPART, the increase in wholesale costs would have been much higher if not for the Government's network reforms.

Support for businesses

This Government recognises that higher energy prices also impact on businesses and divert valuable cash flow away from further investment and job creation.

In addition to the energy bill relief package, which includes $30 million of funding for energy efficiency programs to help small businesses save energy and money, the Government is implementing a number of financial and technical assistance programs, such as the Energy Savings Scheme. The scheme provides financial incentives to businesses that implement electricity and gas saving activities.

Since 2009, the Scheme has delivered bill savings for businesses in excess of $2.9 billion dollars and has supported a range of projects from lighting retrofits to upgrading chillers for cooling buildings.

The Government is also in the process of finalising its Climate Change Fund (CCF) Strategic Plan.

The draft CCF Strategic Plan consulted on investment priorities over the next five years and actions that will help New South Wales meet its net zero emissions goal.

This included $400 million in new spending over five years on clean energy and energy efficiency measures.