Rethinking water and energy affordability in Australia: an analysis of the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of current policy

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the challenge of 'affordability' in the delivery of critical utility services such as water and energy to Australian households. The experience of utility stress and hardship is not uncommon among many low-income households in contemporary Australian society. The causes and associated outcomes of utility affordability are multi-dimensional. My thesis provides both an analytical framework and a policy perspective to respond to household utility stress in energy and water in Australia. The thesis is divided into discrete research studies guided in turn by their own research questions. In Chapter Two and Chapter Three, I explore the complexity of water and energy affordability problems from a time dimension and policy dimension. From a historical perspective, I critically analyse the social implications of urban water and energy sectors reform. Examining the changes in policy and governance regimes leads us to elucidate a variety of policy instruments to address utility affordability problems across sectors and stakeholders. I demonstrate that a clear responsibility across sectors and a collaborative policy framework is required to address this emerging social challenge. Chapters Four to Chapter Six form a series of empirical research to explore the concept of water and energy affordability and its measurement in the Australian context, and to evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and social-equity implications of the major policy instruments – state water and energy concessions. My overarching conclusion of these chapters is that the current state water and energy concession schemes need reform towards a more equitable and efficient approach to target to those most in need assistance. In summary, the problems of utility stress and hardship are multifaceted. A shared vision, a clear responsibility across sectors, a collaborative framework as well as a more equitable, efficient and effective policy design are required to successfully address utility affordability challenges in contemporary Australia