CEO Sally Sievers talks to ABC Radio about how NTCOSS, the peak body for the Social and Community Sector in the NT, is urging political parties and candidates to commit to alleviate energy hardship by installing solar energy on all social housing ahead of next month’s election.
Recent Australian Council of Social Service and Deloitte Access Economics research found massive economic and environmental benefits through installing solar on low-income housing. We should do it in the NT.
NTCOSS’ latest Cost of Utilities factsheet reveals there were 103,985 involuntary self-disconnections in households with prepayment meters in NT major centres last year. When households cannot afford to top up their meter, power to the household is disconnected.
“It is unacceptable for people to be denied access to electricity in a wealthy country and particularly in the Territory with its extreme temperatures, as Alice Springs shivers at this time of year and it is sweltering hot later in the year,” NTCOSS CEO Sally Sievers said.
The Northern Territory Council of Social Service is urging all political parties and candidates to commit to policies that prioritise fairness and equity for all Territorians ahead of the NT Election.
Read the 2024 Northern Territory Election Priorities document here.