The report shows an average 18 per cent increase on prices across three major electricity suppliers - Energy Australia, Integral Energy and Country Energy (both Integral energy and Country Energy are sub-branches of Origin Energy).
The increase is nine times the rate of inflation, and follows similar price jumps in 2011/12 of 17 per cent, and 10 per cent in 2010/11.
About half, or 9.1 per cent, of the average increase will be due to the carbon tax, IPART reports. The other half is due to network costs.
Origin Energy is the largest retailer for the North West area, including its two subsidiaries Country Energy and Integral Energy.
Country Energy customers will see a price hike of 19.7 per cent. This will mean an extra charge of $427 per year on average on top of a household’s current bill.
Small businesses will be hit with $555 on top of their current bill.
An Origin Energy spokesperson said the company was aware of the difficulties placed on households by the price increase.
“We understand that increases in energy prices have placed more pressure on the household budget. To help our customers address the challenge of rising energy costs, Origin provides a range of solutions, including tailored products to meet customer needs, energy efficiency advice and audits, flexible payment options and our financial hardship assistance program.
“Country Support, our financial hardship assistance program, helps customers by developing payment plans, commissioning energy audits and assisting people access any direct government assistance for which they are eligible. If any of our customers require assistance, we encourage them to call us as soon as possible on 13 23 56 to discuss.”