Prepaid Power Crisis: NT Families Choose Food or Electricity

Extreme heatwaves in the Northern Territory are making life unlivable for many, particularly for Vanessa Napaltjari Davis and her family in Alice Springs. Davis, who relies on prepaid electricity, finds her $70 weekly credit depleted in just two to three days during the current heatwave, which has seen temperatures soar above 40C for extended periods.

This situation forces her to make difficult daily decisions between affording electricity to keep her home cool and powered, and buying food for her household. She is one of over 65,000 Aboriginal people across the NT, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland who rely on prepaid electricity, with studies indicating nearly one disconnection per week on average.

Jacana Energy states that electricity tariffs do not change with temperature but acknowledges higher consumption during heatwaves. They offer support programs, but critics argue for stronger protections, such as banning disconnections during extreme heat. The federal government is reportedly working with communities on energy poverty, while the NT government focuses on education campaigns for power saving and utilizing emergency credit.

Health experts warn that extreme temperatures, combined with poor housing conditions in the NT, significantly increase health risks for Aboriginal populations. Recommendations include banning power disconnections when temperatures exceed 40C, a measure that government bodies are said to be slow in implementing, despite the growing urgency of the crisis.