NSW:Premier says govt treating public mugs=2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2011
NSW:Premier says govt treating public mugs=2

Mr O'Farrell also lashed out the former state Labor government for delaying the pricing
regulator's report into power prices, which News Ltd reports will recommend increases
of 17 per cent for Sydney customers.

The IPART report, to be released on Thursday, will recommend price hikes greater than
previously flagged, with the federal Renewable Energy Target scheme reportedly to blame.

Sydneysiders will pay $230 more a year on average because of the increases.

Meanwhile, those in country areas will suffer a 20 per cent rise, which will push up
their annual bills by $325.

Mr O'Farrell accused the former Labor state government of delaying the report, originally
slated for release on March 17, to avoid a voter backlash at the state election.

"I'm angry that the Labor government delayed this report, I'm angry that families again
have to face a bigger than expected slug to their electricity bills," Mr O'Farrell said,
after touring Nepean Hospital near Penrith on Thursday.

"I can't make Labor's past incompetence go away, but what I can do... is commit to
ensure that future increases are a low as possible."

Mr O'Farrell said the government would look at increasing the $150 to $250 energy rebate
promised at the election but added: "I don't have a magic wand".

"I can't make 16 years of incompetence (under the previous government) go away," he said.

AAP ab/tr/pc

KEYWORD: CLIMATE OFARRELL 2 SYDNEY

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.