Work starts to make energy laws more switched-on

The rules around Queensland’s fast-changing energy landscape are being overhauled to accommodate a new world of energy storage systems, remote-controlled home energy and customers who are independent of the electricity grid.

An issues paper released this week kicks off a 10-yearly review of the laws that regulate energy issues from energy-generating customers to licences for electric car charging stations.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Queensland’s energy landscape had been transformed by technology disruption over the past decade and legislation needed to keep up.

“Queensland is leading the nation in renewable generation development, our biggest power station is rooftop solar systems and Queenslanders are open to using emerging technology to manage their energy usage and costs,” he said.

“We need our legislation to support our Affordable Energy Plan, placing downward pressure on electricity prices and support our 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030.

“Our current laws were framed in the 2000s and don’t even recognise incoming battery technology or off-grid scenarios where customers are entirely energy self-sufficient.

“This review will ensure we have the regulatory framework in place to integrate emerging technologies and to continue to provide secure and reliable supply statewide.” 

Three Acts are under review: Electricity Act 1994, the Gas Supply Act 2006 and the Energy and Water Ombudsmen Act 2007.

The issues paper is available online now and seeks input on 29 questions about the suitability of the state’s laws.

Submissions are open until June 19. The next stage will be a regulatory impact statement late this year, followed by proposed reforms mid-next year for input from stakeholders, including business and industry and electricity consumer groups. 

Visit Get Involved and select the Review of Queensland’s energy legislation for further information and to comment.

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Media contact: Jan Martin 0439 341 314