The 13.29 per cent electricity price hike announced today highlights an urgent need for a Medical Cooling Electricity rebate to assist those on low incomes with a medical need to keep cool on hot days and nights.
From the beginning of July, the cost of electricity will increase across the state and those with temperature-intolerant illnesses like MS will be significantly disadvantaged.
An estimated 90 per cent of people with MS are heat intolerant and their symptoms can increase significantly if they get too hot. People with MS use air-conditioners almost 15 times as much as the average Australian and the cost of doing so is very high.
Many are on low incomes and struggle with the cost of electricity bills, so an increase would be difficult to manage. Half of Australians with MS have an annual income below $26,000.
People with MS in Queensland spend an average of $753 a year on keeping cool compared to $112 for the average household. Following this hike, the cost of running an air-conditioner for people with MS will rise to around $946 a year.
MS Queensland has been campaigning with Parkinson’s Queensland, Queensland Council of Social Services and Spinal Injuries Association for a medical cooling rebate in Queensland for several months.
Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia offer heating and cooling rebates for people with temperature-intolerant illnesses.
For more information about our campaign, click here.
