Household bills should feature carbon tax: Tony Abbott

Treasury estimates indicate electricity prices will go up 10 per cent, and gas charges by nine per cent, when the tax takes effect from July.

"It is essential that the carbon tax be itemised on people's power bills," Opposition leader Tony Abbott said at Lakes Entrance, in Victoria, Thursday, five days into his annual Pollie Pedal charity fundraiser.

Gillard had said the carbon tax would not hurt households, he said.

"Now she admits it will cost you but she won't say how much."

Newly-elected Queensland premier Campbell Newman promised during the state election campaign his government would force energy providers to publish the cost of the carbon tax.

NSW Liberal Premier Barry O'Farrell made the same call in November.

Overall, Australian households are expected to experience a cost-of-living increase of $9.90 a week after the tax starts.

Many of them will receive, on average, $10.10 a week in government assistance.

The compensation will be delivered in the form of tax cuts and increased welfare payments.

Abbott is cycling from Geelong in Victoria to Canberra for this year's Pollie Pedal fundraising event.

He is expected to complete the 900km challenge on Saturday.