The hidden crisis behind rising electricity disconnections
From SwitchedOn Australia by RenewEconomy
April 9, 2026 · 45 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the rising electricity disconnections in Australia and the underlying financial stress faced by households.
Electricity disconnections are meant to be a last resort in Australia. There are rules designed to protect people who get electricity bills — retailers are supposed to offer payment plans, hardship support, and only disconnect when there’s no other option. But as households buckle under the combined pressure of rising energy bills and the broader cost-of-living crisis, disconnections are rising. Nicola Willand, Associate Professor at RMIT University, argues disconnections could just be the tip of the iceberg — an indicator of increasing energy debt and financial stress – which may increase as we electrify everything.
People in this episode
Guest: Nicola Willand
Topics covered
- electricity disconnections
- energy bills
- cost-of-living crisis
- financial stress
- energy debt
Keywords
- electricity disconnections
- energy bills
- cost-of-living
- financial stress
- energy debt
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: RMIT University
Places: Australia
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