To Ausnet, the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria and the Victoria State Government

My name is Alice Underwood and I have lived without electricity for nearly 30 years (in December it will be 30). I live an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD. Despite living so close to the city, the closest power poles are still approximately 500 meters away from my home. 

In 2024, I received an estimate from Ausnet from $83,300 to $98,800 to install electricity poles and extend the network to my home. I am on a disability pension and this cost is simply unaffordable, leaving me without access to electricity.

Since I was two I have lived almost my entire life without electricity, except for a small 12V DC system which breaks down at times and is barely enough to charge my phone and a few inadequate lights. I am not confident in how to use many basic appliances yet, like a household washing machine, fridge or air conditioner.

No electricity is dangerous for a lot of reasons - due to our unreliable 12V DC system, at times I cannot charge my phone. A few times I have not been able to contact emergency services on behalf of other people when they needed help. 

Myself and others who have stayed here (not from choice due to these conditions as they would otherwise be homeless) face many difficulties from no electricity, including 

• Frequent accidents because of low lighting at night (two permanent injuries to people). Candles and battery torches to supplement inadequate lighting are an added cost
• No electricity to dry clothes/bedding or for heating in temperatures that drop below zero
• No way to wash at home in winter (water is too cold). Lack of hygiene and no way to keep infections clean.
• High extra costs for laundromats
• Often extra costs for frequent transport to access electricity eg. laundromats, showers, charging phones at times etc.
• High extra costs for spoiled food, as there is no fridge. Being forced into unhealthy options (tinned food, noodles)
   

My story was recently featured in an article in The Guardian that highlighted the growing inequality in Australia. There are many Australians who still live without electricity, despite our high standard of living compared to third world countries. 

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was ratified by Australia in 2008. Under Article 9 it is outlined that governments should ensure disabled people have access to essential technologies and services at a minimum cost. This article promotes the distribution of accessible technologies so they are available at a reasonable price to everyone, including disabled people. 

Additionally it states:

“Highlighting the fact that the majority of persons with disabilities live in conditions of poverty, and in this regard recognizing the critical need to address the negative impact of poverty on persons with disabilities,”

What We Are Asking For:

We are calling on Ausnet, the State Government of Victoria, and the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria to:

1. Recognize the necessity of providing electricity to my home, given my financial situation as a person on a disability pension.
2. Work together to build the infrastructure necessary to connect my home to the power grid at an affordable and fair cost
3. Commit to providing equal access to electricity for all Victorians, especially those with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by high costs
4. In locations where connecting to the grid would cost more, develop and implement affordable and reliable renewable energy sources for individuals and community energy projects, which are also goals of the Renew Australia for All movement. These solutions can serve as viable alternatives for the many Australians living off-grid with no electricity
5. Establish no-interest loan schemes repayable at the time of property sale, specifically designed for low-income individuals and pensioners. These schemes should also allow collaboration on community energy projects and maintenance, ensuring that electricity is accessible and achievable for everyone

Electricity is not a luxury. It is a necessity for any standard of modern living. In Australia, where most homes enjoy electricity, it is vital that basic infrastructure is extended to disabled individuals and low income households.

Thank you to support workers, friends and advocates who kindly assisted me to write this petition. 

Thank you for signing and supporting my call for fair and affordable electricity infrastructure.