The Herald Sun writes about the likely increase in electricity and water biils "Electricity companies were given clearance on Friday to charge Victorian households more to pay for the installation of new smart meters.

Charity and consumer groups warned the soaring bills would hurt pensioners, families, and the unemployed, with average Victorian households expected to be paying close to $1000 a year for electricity.

Households already face the prospect of a sharp rise in interest rates over the next 12 months and higher water bills.

The rollout of smart meters across Victoria is expected to take up to five years. But once they are installed, they will be able to read a household's use every 30 minutes.

The smart meters will send information back to the provider and allow households to monitor their own power use in peak times. "

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