Struggling pensioners have been calling on the government for aid as they take drastic measures to cope with the rising costs of living.

According to A Current Affair, some furious pensioners are going to great lengths to cut back on power, including showering only twice a week and charging solar lights during the day to avoid switching the light bulbs on.

But why are they taking such drastic measures?

Elderly couple Jean, 65, and Terry Short, 72, from Canton Beach, NSW told A Current Affair that the price hikes in power bills have left them financially crippling.

"We walk around here with a torch, it's ridiculous," Mrs Short said.

The couple confessed that while they were doing everything to minimise their energy consumption, they can't help but be furious over the government's inadequate aid to help them and others who are struggling to pay for their electric bills.

The couple said that they use a torch to walk around the house at night to cut down on electric bills. Credit: A Current Affair.​

Mrs Short said: "It makes me really angry and it's gotten to the point where I'm not going to be quiet any more. I'm going to speak up because it's going to affect everyone."

"Spend a couple of nights here and see how it feels, you know. It gets cold in these homes."

Meanwhile, 64-year-old Jeffrey O'Brien shared how the power price hikes affect his day-to-day life.

The Caringbah pensioner claimed that in order to survive on the $600 he receives a fortnight, he doesn't turn any lights on at night, only showers every second day of the week, and rations his meals.

He said that he has to do these measures as he only has a small amount of money left after rent.

Mr O'Brien explained: "If I cut back any more I might as well not be here, it's not a life it's an existence."

"I sit here with jackets on cause I'm cold, with blankets on, because I'm freezing. If I get my heaters out, it costs me too much money and then I go without meals."

"They want us to cut back. What about them?"

"What about turning off all those building lights in the city?"

"You'd be able to power up homes for two months with just one night's power in the city – doesn't take a scientist to work that out."

Mr O’Brien said that he’s going to extreme lengths in order to survive with his $600 fortnight payment. Credit: A Current Affair.​

The two cases reflect some of the realities that most pensioners are experiencing with the rising costs of living and we are certain that more elderly and disadvantaged people are facing these struggles.

In fact, we previously published a similar article a few weeks ago to shed light on the financial problems encountered by pensioners and how the new government should address and prioritise these issues.

We understand that this is a sensitive topic and we want to hear your thoughts about this. What do you think are the specific issues experienced by seniors and pensioners that the government should prioritise? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

 

[Singomate]

I think this new Government is going to ruffle a few feathers of the top end of town. Yes we pensioners are doing it tough, but am prepared to give them a go. I meet with a few guys every Thursday evening, and tell them to write to or email local members, instead of just whining about the cost of living.
This is a very powerful weapon, people are surprised, that they can get things done Grab a group of friends and start a petition, it's important that we have our say

 

[Ricci]

I actually feel a bit sorry for this new Government. A lot of chickens are coming home to roost from decisions that they didn't make, even before they've got their knees under the table. I'm prepared to give them a go, Rome wasn't built in a day. Unfortunately there are so many bottomless pits requiring funds from a limited source. I'm prepared to put on extra layers to keep warm. only have 1 light at a time on and reduce the time taken for a shower. This time will pass, summer is not too far away and hopefully this one will be a good one. There will be a new budget come October, fingers crossed it will have some good news in it.

 

[Donk]

Left the hospital after visiting pre- op, then Specialist and Surgeon. The rage running so strong we were both numb. Another op cancelled. We are sending you on to another hospital, they have better trained staff than us. Does that mean when they speak sunshine, starbursts an butterflies come out of their mouths when they speak to make us feel better. Because 6 years later, your mindless drivel is nudging me towards being highly unreasonable about the lack of medical service. Qld premier would not be smiling if I saw her in public. Not a threat, just a statement.

 

[Joyce]

And then they want us to change to electric cars

 

[Pommyoz]

Dare I ask if any pensioner smokes, drinks or gambles? Even a scratchie is a waste of money for a dream.
More Govt. housing would be an ideal answer for many pensioners renting, and I admit private rent is ridiculous for pensioners.

 

[MIZMAC]

I have solar panels but now we only get paid 5cents perKWh. When I first installed the panels it was 25 cents , Very hard especially for pensioners. They charge us 4x as much for usage.

 

[Ricci]

I have solar panels but now we only get paid 5cents perKWh. When I first installed the panels it was 25 cents , Very hard especially for pensioners. They charge us 4x as much for usage.

Wow. who are you with? I'm with Origin and get 12c/kwh

 

[Jaynius]

What's wrong with Mr O'Briens pension?
$600 per fortnight doesn't make any sense to me.
Does he have another income or assets that reduce his fortnightly payment ?
I don't understand.

 

[Ananta]

Struggling pensioners have been calling on the government for aid as they take drastic measures to cope with the rising costs of living.

According to A Current Affair, some furious pensioners are going to great lengths to cut back on power, including showering only twice a week and charging solar lights during the day to avoid switching the light bulbs on.

But why are they taking such drastic measures?

Elderly couple Jean, 65, and Terry Short, 72, from Canton Beach, NSW told A Current Affair that the price hikes in power bills have left them financially crippling.

"We walk around here with a torch, it's ridiculous," Mrs Short said.

The couple confessed that while they were doing everything to minimise their energy consumption, they can't help but be furious over the government's inadequate aid to help them and others who are struggling to pay for their electric bills.

The couple said that they use a torch to walk around the house at night to cut down on electric bills. Credit: A Current Affair.​

Mrs Short said: "It makes me really angry and it's gotten to the point where I'm not going to be quiet any more. I'm going to speak up because it's going to affect everyone."

"Spend a couple of nights here and see how it feels, you know. It gets cold in these homes."

Meanwhile, 64-year-old Jeffrey O'Brien shared how the power price hikes affect his day-to-day life.

The Caringbah pensioner claimed that in order to survive on the $600 he receives a fortnight, he doesn't turn any lights on at night, only showers every second day of the week, and rations his meals.

He said that he has to do these measures as he only has a small amount of money left after rent.

Mr O'Brien explained: "If I cut back any more I might as well not be here, it's not a life it's an existence."

"I sit here with jackets on cause I'm cold, with blankets on, because I'm freezing. If I get my heaters out, it costs me too much money and then I go without meals."

"They want us to cut back. What about them?"

"What about turning off all those building lights in the city?"

"You'd be able to power up homes for two months with just one night's power in the city – doesn't take a scientist to work that out."

Mr O’Brien said that he’s going to extreme lengths in order to survive with his $600 fortnight payment. Credit: A Current Affair.​

The two cases reflect some of the realities that most pensioners are experiencing with the rising costs of living and we are certain that more elderly and disadvantaged people are facing these struggles.

In fact, we previously published a similar article a few weeks ago to shed light on the financial problems encountered by pensioners and how the new government should address and prioritise these issues.

We understand that this is a sensitive topic and we want to hear your thoughts about this. What do you think are the specific issues experienced by seniors and pensioners that the government should prioritise? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

 

[Ananta]

I am an 80 year old aged pensioner and I am surprised people are having so much trouble with power bills. The aged pension is my only income source and yet, I am using my lights when necessary and even the air con when needed to heat up my living area. I am also living a pretty healthy life with good food most of the time, so am very grateful. I do not fully understand why people are having such trouble with power prices? I did do a comparison of providers and did shift providers!!