Budget delivers on affordable and clean energy

The 2018-19 State Budget will continue to drive down energy prices, fuel Queensland’s renewable energy uptake and deliver a reliable electricity supply.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said this year’s state budget would continue to reinvest dividends from publicly-owned electricity businesses to deliver more affordable energy.

“We are investing $2 billion over two years to deliver our Affordable Energy Plan,” Dr Lynham said.

"The dividends from our electricity businesses in 2018-19 will help pay for concessions and rebates to support vulnerable electricity customers, and help drive down prices,” Dr Lynham said.

“We’ve committed to helping Queensland families reduce their energy costs and we are delivering on our commitment to a two-year cap on electricity price rises to average inflation.

“We are already seeing results with a recommended (1.3 per cent for typical regional household) decrease in regional prices recommended by the QCA and competition driving savings in the south-east corner.

“More than $464.6 million has also been allocated to ensuring families in regional communities and areas like Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa pay a similar amount for their electricity to a family or household in Brisbane.”

In 2018-19, the Budget will include:

• $195.5million for the $341 electricity rebate for eligible seniors, pensioners, veterans and low-income families, including Commonwealth Health Care Card holders and asylum seekers.  
• $100 million for the second $50 rebate on the bills for Queensland households in the second quarter of calendar 2019.
• $20 million for the regional Business Energy Savers Program, which includes the Energy Savers Plus Program Extension. In the first phase of the Energy Savers Plus Program, 96 energy audits were delivered, resulting in $1.5 million in annual savings for our farmers.  
• $50 million contribution towards an innovative and regional solar thermal plant. “This project will deliver clean, dispatchable and baseload power by storing heat from the sun until it is needed,” Dr Lynham said.
• $1.461 billion in the electricity distribution network, so Queenslanders continue to enjoy a safe, secure and highly reliable electricity supply. 

Media contact: David Potter 0428 411 617