Published Thursday, 22 January, 2009 at 02:55 PM
Minister for Mines and Energy
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
Minister outraged by retailer's actions
Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson has said Queensland Electricity’s decision to hit their market contract customers with price increases of up to 20 percent is outrageous and unfair.
Mr Wilson said he has asked the Energy Ombudsman to investigate Queensland Electricity’s actions.
“I expect those Queensland Electricity customers on market contracts would be extremely unhappy with this price hike,” Mr Wilson said.
“Customers should let their feelings be known to Queensland Electricity by exercising their right to choose and shopping around for a better deal – this may mean switching to a different retailer.”
Mr Wilson said the matter has been referred to the Energy Ombudsman but the harshest penalty for any retailer is for them to lose customers.
“Clever retailers do the right thing by their customers and those that don’t pay the ultimate penalty,” Mr Wilson said.
“Under the previous monopoly system, customers had one retailer and were forced to pay one price – like it or lump it.
“Now they have the power to choose and can shop around for the best deal.”
Mr Wilson said the Bligh Government was on the side of the consumer.
“The Bligh Government is committed to looking out for the battlers,” Mr Wilson said.
“We increased our electricity rebate for pensioners and seniors from $145 to $165 to ease the financial burden.
“We established a $3 million hardship scheme for people who had difficulty meeting the cost of their electricity and gas bills.
“We gave households and small businesses in regional Queensland more than $600 million in subsidies last year to help keep electricity bills down – that’s around $1,000 per household.
“We’ve provided nearly half a million dollars to QCOSS to advocate for consumers.
“Plus we legislated for a $40 penalty to be paid by billing companies to households for incorrect bills received by their electricity retailer.
“The bottom line is that we’re on the side of the consumer and we will continue to look after the interests of everyday Queenslanders, especially people who are doing it tough.”
Media Inquiries: Simon Hamill 3224 7332
Mr Wilson said he has asked the Energy Ombudsman to investigate Queensland Electricity’s actions.
“I expect those Queensland Electricity customers on market contracts would be extremely unhappy with this price hike,” Mr Wilson said.
“Customers should let their feelings be known to Queensland Electricity by exercising their right to choose and shopping around for a better deal – this may mean switching to a different retailer.”
Mr Wilson said the matter has been referred to the Energy Ombudsman but the harshest penalty for any retailer is for them to lose customers.
“Clever retailers do the right thing by their customers and those that don’t pay the ultimate penalty,” Mr Wilson said.
“Under the previous monopoly system, customers had one retailer and were forced to pay one price – like it or lump it.
“Now they have the power to choose and can shop around for the best deal.”
Mr Wilson said the Bligh Government was on the side of the consumer.
“The Bligh Government is committed to looking out for the battlers,” Mr Wilson said.
“We increased our electricity rebate for pensioners and seniors from $145 to $165 to ease the financial burden.
“We established a $3 million hardship scheme for people who had difficulty meeting the cost of their electricity and gas bills.
“We gave households and small businesses in regional Queensland more than $600 million in subsidies last year to help keep electricity bills down – that’s around $1,000 per household.
“We’ve provided nearly half a million dollars to QCOSS to advocate for consumers.
“Plus we legislated for a $40 penalty to be paid by billing companies to households for incorrect bills received by their electricity retailer.
“The bottom line is that we’re on the side of the consumer and we will continue to look after the interests of everyday Queenslanders, especially people who are doing it tough.”
Media Inquiries: Simon Hamill 3224 7332