THE reality of higher power bills continued to bite the budgets of western Victorians amid the ongoing uncertainty of power supply while ongoing market pressures play out.

Unprecedented conditions affecting the energy market precipitated a price cap of $300 megawatt per hour set by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) on Tuesday morning.

Households in certain areas were advised to cut back on electricity usage and resort to critically needed power only, with market analysts warning there would be ongoing power security concerns over the winter months.

However, on Thursday, AEMO suspended the electricity spot market for all regions in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in order to manage electricity supply more effectively and meet expected demand.

AEMO said there had been improvements since suspending the spot market but acknowledges challenges remain including energy availability limitations and changes, generation offline for maintenance/faults, along with fuel costs and sourcing issues.

Meanwhile, a blame game between the State Government and Opposition, and the new Federal Government and former, played out with no benefit to Victorian households and small businesses who can expect bills to continue to increase.

Shadow treasurer, David Davis blasted the State Government’s mismanagement of the energy market, which equated to higher bills for less reliable power.

“For years Daniel Andrews has failed to act to shore up Victoria’s energy supplies and Victorians are now left paying the price,” he said.

“Victoria will never recover and rebuild if we can’t even keep the lights on and power bills low.”

Shadow Energy minister, Craig Ondarchie said “under Daniel Andrews, Victoria is being left behind and left in the dark”.

“By locking up gas supplies and mismanaging energy production, the Andrews Labor Government has pushed the Victorian power network to crisis point,” he said.

“Instead of blaming everyone else, the Andrews Labor Government should take responsibility and act to keep power prices low.”

By contrast, Energy, Environment and Climate Change minister, Lily D’Ambrosio said Victorian households and businesses continued to be better protected from bill increases thanks to nation leading investments in renewables.

“This investment is delivering cheaper energy prices for Victorian households and businesses, while we work towards net-zero emissions by 2050,” she said.

The investment includes Australia’s only offshore wind targets, the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) auctions, the $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program, the biggest battery in the Southern Hemisphere and the Renewable Energy Zones Development Plan.

“This record investment means last year Victoria saw the biggest boost in renewable generation than any other state.

“This investment is creating jobs while driving down energy costs and cutting emissions.”

Ms D’Ambrosio said there are unprecedented conditions affecting the energy market and that the State Government is working closely with AEMO and monitor the situation in Victoria.

“AEMO have advised that we continue to have sufficient energy supply,” she said.