New tool to cut through energy debate as price hike prompts new questions about nuclear
March 13, 2025 AIMN Editorial, Australians for Affordable Energy https://theaimn.net/new-tool-to-cut-through-energy-debate-as-price-hike-prompts-new-questions-about-nuclear/
Amid today’s news of energy bill spikes, Australians have a new tool to calculate how their bills would fare with a nuclear generation option.
It’s been confirmed that unreliable coal-fired electricity plants are causing 2.5-8.9 per cent energy bill increases. That has raised concerns about the Coalition’s nuclear proposal, which would keep households vulnerable to coal price spikes for many years, Australians for Affordable Energy (AFAE) warned today.
With energy costs shaping up as a key election issue, AFAE has launched a free calculator, available at afae.net.au/calculator, which provides a real-world cost estimate for households based on the proposed nuclear energy plan.
The calculator extrapolates from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) analysis to provide Australians with a clear picture of nuclear energy costs based on international examples.
The tool allows users to input their current electricity costs and household size – or use state averages if unsure – to see potential changes to their bills under various nuclear scenarios and help them make an informed decision.
“Australians are confused about the costs and timelines of building seven nuclear reactors—one of the largest government projects ever proposed. There’s widespread uncertainty in the energy debate, and our goal is to clarify exactly what nuclear power could mean for household bills, good or bad,” said AFAE spokesperson Jo Dodds.
“Cost of living will dominate the upcoming election, and Australians deserve clear answers. Our calculator helps Australians see firsthand whether nuclear energy genuinely stacks up as an affordable option.”
The Australian Energy Regulator confirmed today that power prices are predicted to go up by up to 8.9% per cent from July, forcing families and businesses already struggling with cost-of-living pressures to pay even more for essential electricity.
The price hike directly results from continued reliance on ageing coal-fired power stations. Gas prices also contribute to rising energy costs due to ongoing international volatility, adding uncertainty and pressure to wholesale electricity prices.
“Today’s announcement is another blow to households already struggling. Australians are exhausted as bills keep rising with no clear solutions in sight. Australians for Affordable Energy wants to help everyone understand what these price hikes really mean as we approach the federal election. Australians deserve better than constant uncertainty and higher costs.
“Coal is like a beloved old, beat-up car we keep throwing money at just to keep it running. Nuclear is increasingly becoming something we don’t need and can’t afford. Both drive costs higher without offering practical, affordable solutions. Australians deserve reliable, affordable electricity – not crumbling coal plants or overpriced nuclear projects decades away.”
Australians for Affordable Energy (AFAE) is dedicated to ensuring energy policies prioritise affordability and sustainability for all Australians.
“Nothing but broken promises”: ICAN Ambassador, Karina Lester calls out Australia’s inaction on the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons,
ICAN Australia, 13 Mar 25
On Thursday, Yankunytjatjara-Anangu woman, second-generation nuclear test survivor, and ICAN Ambassador Karina Lester delivered a statement during the segment on Victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation and International Cooperation.
| In her powerful statement, Karina outlined the expectations from affected community members worldwide for support under Articles 6 & 7 of the TPNW, which require states parties of the TPNW work collaboratively to provide support to communities impacted by the use and testing of nuclear weapons. Karina also called out the Australian Government’s lack of action on the TPNW to date, and made clear that it is time for Australia to sign and ratify the TPNW, without delay. |
| “I am concerned and deeply saddened that my own country has yet to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons. My country, my traditional lands, has felt the reality of nuclear weapons use. We even launched the movement that brought us to this day here in New York – the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. |
Yet despite promises, despite the expectations of community members and parliamentarians, and despite the clear and urgent need, we are still waiting.
Australia is the gap in our region. And this is shameful, nothing but broken promises. Many of our friends in the Pacific Islands and those in South East Asia have joined the Treaty. We call on our government to sign and ratify, to join this community of nations in working together to abolish nuclear weapons.”
In an interview with NITV, Karina said that the impacts of the British Nuclear tests on her country are still felt today, more than 70 years later.
Yet despite promises, despite the expectations of community members and parliamentarians, and despite the clear and urgent need, we are still waiting.
Australia is the gap in our region. And this is shameful, nothing but broken promises. Many of our friends in the Pacific Islands and those in South East Asia have joined the Treaty. We call on our government to sign and ratify, to join this community of nations in working together to abolish nuclear weapons.”
In an interview with NITV, Karina said that the impacts of the British Nuclear tests on her country are still felt today, more than 70 years la
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