The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today published a report into retail performance for the January to March 2025 quarter.
The report shows median market offers for both electricity and gas fell across most regions from the beginning of July 2024 until 31 March 2025.
The number of customers on hardship programs has declined over the past year, however the average debt of customers on and entering these programs has increased.
As well, the proportion of customers with energy debt and the average residential energy debt has increased since the same time last year.
The increase in average residential energy debt has been influenced by government rebates between July and September 2024, which reduced the debt levels of some consumers to zero. This removed those with lower levels of debt, resulting in the averages increasing.
Energy debt levels have also been impacted by flooding in New South Wales and Queensland during the quarter, with retailers reporting increases in customers seeking support due to these events.
Overall, less customers were accessing electricity payment plans and the proportion of customers on a gas payment plan remained steady compared to the same time last year.