Minister urges retailers to play fair

The State Government will continue to protect electricity customers in regional Queensland with the uniform tariff safety net, Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said today.

The Minister said a reported push by some electricity retailers for further increases in the price of power would do nothing but cause angst and uncertainty in the community.

“It’s not on. The State Government is standing firm. The door is closed on this. We will not go beyond the formula and no further correspondence will be entered into,” Mr Wilson said.

“Electricity customers in Queensland are protected by a uniform tariff and will continue to be protected from excessive price rises.

“In the last financial year, the State Government provided subsidies of more than $360 million for Ergon Energy customers – that’s around $580 for each customer a year.

“We want people to have access to affordable electricity no matter where they live,” Mr Wilson said.

“When full retail competition comes into effect on 1 July, households and small businesses will be given greater choice and protection when choosing their electricity and gas retailers.

“My message to those electricity retailers is simple: If the heat’s too hot, get out of the kitchen.

Minister Wilson said that under full retail competition, households and small businesses will have the added protection of an Energy Ombudsman.

“The Ombudsman will be able to provide dispute resolution and mediation services for households and small businesses – customers who may not be able to afford legal assistance in resolving disputes,” he said.

“On top of that, we will have a marketing code of conduct that sets out clear boundaries for retailers and will let consumers know their rights,” he said.

“Importantly, the State Government will ensure that small customers who have moved to a market contract will be able to revert to the standard price at the completion of any contract, if they wish,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819