Legislation to force gas retailers to act swiftly

Legislation will be introduced into State Parliament on Thursday that will make it mandatory for major gas retailers to provide a $55 a year rebate to pensioners.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the legislation would stipulate that all bills going out from the end of March must invite registration from eligible pensioners.

“While some customers are already registered as eligible to receive the rebate, all bills that go out from the end of March must invite pensioners to register. Once the customer has registered as eligible, the rebate must be paid on the very next bill.

“By the end of June, every bill going out must provide the rebate to eligible pensioners.

“Should AGL and Origin fail to do this, they risk a financial penalty of up to $30,000 for each contravention. They could also put at risk their licence to operate in Queensland.

“The rebate scheme is worth $2.75 million and caters for up to 50,000 Queenslanders.

“Gas suppliers had agreed to implement the rebate scheme when the State Government announced it in October last year.

“They failed to do so,” he said.

The Minister has held talks with the companies and advised them it was unacceptable.

“As originally announced last year, the rebates will be backdated to July 1 2007,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819