SA-BEST calls for Royal Commission into soaring electricity prices and return to public ownership

There are few issues that are harming South Australian individuals and businesses more than power costs. 

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, electricity costs rose 32.2% in the 12 months to January 2026, and no-one can pretend that those prices will not continue to rise. 

"Economists are warning us that electricity prices could rise by another 24% by July,'' SA-BEST MLC Connie Bonaros said.

"Every South Australian should be up in arms over these spiralling costs.

"We pay more for electricity than any other state or territory. Why? 

"What is driving the discrepancy and what are effective, long-term solutions to maximise reliability and reduce cost?''

Piecemeal subsidies, exemptions and concessions are band-aids which will not properly address the underlying reasons for sky-high prices.

The question is simple.  In five years or ten years’ time, are we going to be able to afford electricity?  On what planet should an essential service like electricity become a luxury only available to the wealthy? 

As always politics gets in the way of good policy.  Blind slogans about abolishing renewables or bringing back public ownership are worthless.

Added to the mix are calls to phase out natural gas, meaning electricity would become the only way to power your house.

What SA-BEST is calling for is simple. Let’s stop the political rubbish and let’s actually sort out what has happened.  Why is South Australia in this mess, and what do we have to do to offer long-term and sustainable relief to all South Australians?

A Royal Commission, led by an independent chair and involving genuine experts, keeps the politicians away, lets the public understand first-hand what is going on and can offer real solutions.  It might be uncomfortable, and it might be costly in the short term, but let’s not pretend that any political party can wave a magic wand to sort this out. 

SA-BEST calls for a Royal Commission into energy prices, the existing arrangements relating to production and supply of electricity to homes and businesses, and a robust assessment of the short and long-term value of returning this essential service into public hands.

Connie Bonaros will hold a press conference on the steps of Parliament House, North Terrace, at 12.30pm today.

For media enquiries call Simon Yeaman on 0419 823 670