Power bills to surge despite budget tipping modest rise

Households are looking at a spike in prices, with electricity bills set to rise by double digits. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Power bills in at least three states will rise by more than double the amount estimated in the federal budget.

In a stoush with Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes over the impending price hikes, Assistant Minister for Energy Jenny McAllister denied the timing was planned to avoid scrutiny of the federal budget by parliament.