Network costs the main driver of electricity prices, consumer watchdog finds

A huge increase in electricity network costs - driven by regulation and over investment - has been the number-one cause of rising household power bills over the last decade

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Energy operators have over-invested, leading to the "gold plating" of poles and wires.

A lack of competition in both generation and electricity retail markets, the recent closures of coal-fired power stations and the growing cost of environmental schemes have also contributed to "severe" price rises since 2007 that have put homes and businesses under "unacceptable pressure”.

These are the preliminary findings of a major Australian Competition and Consumer Commission inquiry ordered by the Turnbull government.

Treasurer Scott Morrison will release the ACCC's report into the National Electricity Market on Monday, setting the stage for another week in Parliament set to be dominated by energy policy.

Read Adam Gartrell’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Network costs the main driver of electricity prices, consumer watchdog finds.”