Having the lowest electricity prices in Australia is little comfort to ACT residents when it's likely these prices will increase by 10.9 per cent from July 1.
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The bad news for consumers is that annual bills in the ACT will go up an estimated $112 for a small customer and $271 for a large customer.
That's the recommendation of the independent regulator in its draft report, which is almost certain to be rubber stamped.
The ACT Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission blames the increase primarily on volatile markets for wholesale electricity, but its report also attributes some of the cause to costs associated with national renewable energy schemes.
The allowance to comply with these schemes is estimated to rise 17.2 per cent.
It's a little disingenuous of ACT climate change and sustainability minister Shane Rattenbury to excuse renewables while blaming "expensive gas generators which are being hit by higher fuel costs".
Part of the reason for high gas prices is that most state and territory governments have banned onshore exploration.
The exceptions are Labor governments in Queensland and South Australia.
South Australian premier Jay Weatherill said recently the state would build a new gas-fired power station to address some of its energy woes.
Gas is a lower-emissions fuel which can help ease the transition to 100 per cent renewables.
It's a problem with the current energy debate that ideological rhetoric flows too freely from both sides, effectively undermining the national interest goal to ensure an affordable, reliable supply of clean energy.
The deputy prime minister's throwaway criticism yesterday of the ACT's renewables target was ill-informed and unhelpful.
A small compact region like the ACT can and should be a leader in achieving maximum deployment of renewable energy.
The ACT can do so without compromising network stability because it's connected to the national grid.
Politicians and governments need to tone down the rhetoric and ramp up the policy imperative to ensure long-term sustainable solutions that keep power affordable and the lights on.
The federal government this week directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to immediately begin an inquiry into retail electricity pricing.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims noted that electricity prices have nearly doubled on top of inflation in most parts of Australia over the past decade for various reasons.
There have been numerous other inquiries, but the ACCC has compulsory information gathering powers which can assist its endeavours.
A preliminary report is expected by the end of September, which potentially sets the scene for a bipartisan national approach to the sector.
Whatever comes from the inquiry, electricity consumers are likely to face several years of steep price increases.
Somebody has to pay for past regulatory failure to ensure network upgrades and new generation capability. Governments that fail to act will also pay the price.