Consumers have their ongoing say on electricity under Labor

Published Sunday, 15 October, 2017 at 04:06 PM

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

 

A Customer Council, made up of consumer and industry representatives, will meet next month as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to put maximum downward pressure on electricity prices, Energy Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Mr Bailey said Energy Queensland, who have regularly consulted with consumer groups under Energex and Ergon, had consolidated the process to improve outcomes for customers. 

“As part of the Customer Council organisations are able to have direct input into Energy Queensland decisions, facilitate wider community consultation and pass on information onto their members,” Mr Bailey said.

Members of the Customer Council include:

•             Council on the Ageing Queensland

•             Local Government Association of Queensland

•             Queensland Council of Social Service

•             Queensland Farmers’ Federation

•             Master Electricians

•             National Electrical and Communications Association

•             Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

•             Townsville Chamber of Commerce

“Consumers also have a voice on energy policy through the Consumer and Industry Reference Group convened by the Department of Energy and Water Supply, as well as through the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland.”  

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had stabilised electricity prices after massive electricity price hikes under the LNP, through continued public ownership of electricity assets and ongoing engagement with consumers and industry. 

“Electricity prices have stabilised under the Palaszczuk Government to an average of 1.9 per cent per annum compared to the 43 per cent increases under the term of the previous government when Tim Nicholls was Treasurer,” he said 

“We consult regularly with consumers groups and we’ve delivered downward pressure on prices and the best outcomes nationally in a broken National Electricity Market.” 

The Palaszczuk Government has taken important steps in the consumer’s interest during this term, including:

•             2015 direction to Ergon and Energex not to appeal against the AER’s revenue determination;

 2017 direction to Stanwell to bring the Swanbank E gas fired power station back online after it was mothballed by the LNP, and to alter its bidding strategies to help put as much downwards pressure on wholesale prices as possible;

•             $1.16 billion Powering Queensland Plan including $770 to slash the expected price increase this year by more than half; and

•             Extending the energy rebate to an extra 157,000 eligible Commonwealth Health Care Card holders and asylum seekers. 

Mr Bailey said these are all reforms Tim Nicholls refused to do when in government, instead focussing solely on getting energy GOCs ready to sell off. 

“Like freezing energy boss bonuses which would save 1 cent a week on bills – his policy announcement today to put consumer groups on boards is another stunt from the LNP devoid of real policies that will actually help people,” Mr Bailey said. 

“Consumer groups are not excluded from GOC boards and if a person is well qualified, they will be considered. 

“Our directors have the skills to manage our energy businesses and our energy system including during extreme weather events to keep our supply secure and the lights on.”

Media contact: Zoe Russell (Minister Bailey's office) 0428 079 640