Choice and bill relief for Bundaberg power customers

The Palaszczuk Government’s $2 billion Affordable Energy Plan is using the benefits of our publically owned energy assets to slash $125 from over 35,000 household power bills, and $120 from power bills for over 6,000 small businesses in Bundaberg when they opt into the new Ergon ‘Easy Pay Rewards’ program.

While visiting a local café with Member for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson, Energy Minister Mark Bailey said that the Affordable Energy Plan would put downward pressure on power bills for regional small businesses like City Elements Café, and ensure power billsare kept below average inflation over the next two years.

“We are using the dividends from our publically owned energy assets to cut power bills for Bundaberg small businesses and households,” Mr Bailey said.

“We have raft of measures to help Bundaberg energy customers, including Ergon’s “Easy Pay Reward’ program that will offer annual discounts of $75 for households and $120 for small business.

“This is in addition to a $50 Asset Ownership Dividend that will be paid to Bundaberg residents over the next two years.”

Ms Donaldson said that Bundaberg residents would also be able to access rebates of up to $300 for energy efficient appliances, and to participate in the Energy Savvy program which can help save up to $200 off an annual bill.

“We are also offering Bundaberg small businesses and households’ no-interest loans to help them access the upfront capital required to invest in solar and battery technologies to help reduce their bills and be part of a clean energy future,” she said.

“Applications will open from March 2018, with savings of up to $700 per year expected for those who take up solar.”

Mr Bailey and Ms Donaldson also met with Bundy resident Paul Donaldson who said that he was pleased to see that the Palaszczuk Government had listened to the Bundaberg community to remove Ergon Energy’s non-reversion policy.

“Getting rid of the non-reversion policy will remove the restriction on Bundaberg customers who would like to return to Ergon Energy, giving households and small businesses choice and control over their power bills.  This is terrific news for the energy affordability in regional areas,” Mr Donaldson said.

ENDS

Media Enquiries: Chris Vernon, 0416 800 004

*Photo uploaded: Bundaberg resident Paul Donaldson, Energy Minister Mark Bailey and Member for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson