That was the dire warning from by the South Australian Essential Services Commission in its study of electricity tariffs in four states.
The study, which formed part of the investigation by the ESC into Australian Gas Light's proposed 25% tariff increase in SA, showed consumers under privatised regimes operating in Victoria and South Australia have to pay full market prices.
The study found the prices were well above those paid by NSW and Queensland. The Parer review of energy markets this month recommended that NSW and Queensland drop their pricing schemes under a move to introduce full retail competition in all the states.
