For energy consumers in Australia's eastern states, the grim news and warnings of price pain have been flying thick and fast in recent times.
First, it was a decision by the energy regulator to jack up benchmark electricity tariffs to 18 per cent from July.
Quickly following the announcement were revelations of chaos in the gas market, where authorities were forced to intervene to stop prices reaching stratospheric levels.
And finally came the exit of smaller electricity retailers in the face of the wholesale market turmoil, fuelling fears that household bills would soar as competition evaporated.