A resident in Wagga with Country Energy could pay an estimated $807.75 per quarter for 1800kWh of electricity, according to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) price calculator.

But data compiled by solar energy company Energy Matters has shown that this is up to $400 more than what other Australians are paying for similar usage.

In Sydney they said the average household paid $561 a quarter, the second highest capital city cost behind South Australia which was priced to pay $615 - almost $200 cheaper than Wagga.

Melbourne residents were shown to have an average electricity budget of $471, while Brisbane houses on average fork out $438 per quarter.

Darwin came in the cheapest at $389, according to the Energy Matters data.

The electricity situation is one that sees the regional cities and towns in NSW like Wagga the worst off in the country, according to Energy Matters executive director Nick Brass.

“Wagga is amongst the highest prices in Australia,” he said.

“The data we’ve found shows that because of the cost of the poles and wires via Essential Energy.

“The pricing that’s actually set by retailers is not representative of their actual costs – it is representative of an agreement made between the government and those retailers.

“If the power is cheaper in the market it doesn’t get passed through to consumers.”

When Origin Energy was asked about Wagga residents having to pay the highest prices in Australia, a spokesman declined to comment, claiming it was little more than a publicity stunt by a solar power company.

From looking at information provided by the IPART, there are cheaper options for Wagga residents than Country Energy, but it is important to read through all the details.

The cheapest out of 14 alternative options listed on IPART’s website was AGL’s Select 15 +100 Energy Offer, which came in at roughly $682 per quarter for 1800kWh.

But attached to the deal was a $134 fee if a bill was not paid before the due date and a requirement to sign up for two years.

In December electricity affordability was thrown into the spotlight when IPART released figures showing the number of electricity disconnections in the state had risen 25 per cent in the 2011-12 financial year.

Following the release of the data, The Daily Advertiser asked Origin and AGL just how many disconnection rates had been occurring in the Riverina in an attempt to gauge the seriousness of the electricity affordability in area.

Both companies said they could not release that information as they only reported figures on a state level to IPART for reporting purposes.

But St Vincent de Paul in Wagga said it had noted a marked increase in the number of disconnections imposed on families who couldn’t afford their bills.

‘Cheated on’ resident may win a quirky wedding day

A WAGGA resident could be labelled the most “cheated on” Australian electricity user in Australia, after claims residents in the city are among the highest paying in Australia. 

Former Perfect Match host Greg Evans will be performing a quirky commitment ceremony this Valentine’s Day in Melbourne.

There, he will marry the most ripped off Australian electricity user with an Energy Matters solar panel in a protest against the 91 per cent price hike in energy bills over the last five years.

“As a new convert to solar I want other Australians to be as happy as I am so I’m in the lookout to find the person who has been most cheated on by their electricity provider,” he said.

“I will give them a free Energy Matters solar power system so they too can divest themselves or unnecessary relationship baggage.”

To sign up go to www.energymatters.com.au.