Queenslanders have their say on electricity prices

Household and business energy users across Queensland now have the chance to have their say on future electricity prices.

Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) was holding electricity price workshops across the state starting in Toowoomba today.

“The Newman Government is doing what it can to put downward pressure on power prices after they spiralled out of control under Labor’s price path,” Mr McArdle said.

“We’re delivering better infrastructure and planning as promised at the election.

“Now consumers can also be a part of the process.”

Mr McArdle said the QCA would use the feedback from Queenslanders in the development of its final electricity price determination, set to be released before 31 May.

“We already know the quickest way to influence that final figure is for the Federal Government to get rid of Labor’s carbon tax,” he said.

“If that happened, electricity would rise by just 5.4 per cent instead of the forecast 13.6 per cent.

“If the state’s Labor MPs really cared about easing the cost of living for Queenslanders, they would call their federal colleagues and demand that they scrap the tax as soon as possible.”

The workshops will also cover the review of the uniform tariff policy and regional price regulation.

Formal written submissions can be submitted to the Authority until 28 February.

The QCA will also be holding workshops at the following locations:

• Friday, 7 February 2014 – Brothers Sports Club, Bundaberg (10:30am – 12:30am)
• Monday, 10 February 2014 – Travelodge, Rockhampton (10:30am – 12:30am)
• Tuesday, 11 February 2014 – Windmill Motel, Mackay (9am – 11am)
• Tuesday, 11 February 2014 – Entertainment Centre, Proserpine (2pm – 4pm)
• Wednesday, 12 February 2014 – Jupiter’s Hotel, Townsville (2pm – 4pm)
• Thursday, 13 February 2014 – Pullman Cairns International, Cairns (10:30am – 12:30pm)
• Friday, 14 February 2014 – Mareeba International Club, Mareeba (9:30am – 11:30am)
• Monday, 17 February 2014 – Level 27, 145 Ann St Brisbane (10am – 1pm)

The QCA’s draft determination and further information on registering for a workshop or making a submission is available by visiting www.qca.org.au, emailing electricity@qca.org.au or by calling (07) 3222 0555.

[ENDS] 6 February 2014

Media Contact: Phil Hind 0437 334 183