Regional Qld families get the chance to save energy, dollars

Around 4000 regional Queensland families have the chance to cut their energy use and their power bills in the Palaszczuk Government’s latest affordable energy initiative.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said participating families would have a digital electricity meter installed, switch to monthly rather than quarterly bills, and work with a personal energy use “champion” to cut their bills.

“Under the first round of our Energy Savvy Families initiative many of the 5500 participating regional families have already cut their energy use and power bills up to $200 in 12 months,” Dr Lynham said.

“Another 4000 families in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay and Toowoomba are being invited to join in the potential savings in this latest round. 

"This is another chapter in the Government’s $2 billion Affordable Energy Plan, which is putting downward pressure on electricity prices,” Dr Lynham said.

QCOSS CEO Mark Henley said Energy Savvy Families was about helping low-income families in regional communities.

“Energy affordability is a key cost of living issue for many regional families so providing access to local, on the ground support through the community centre champions will be a big boost to help them better manage their energy bills,” Mr Henley said.

“QCOSS welcomes the Energy Savvy Families program, particularly the focus on improving energy literacy to assist customers who may be at risk of vulnerability.”

Households in Cairns, Mareeba, Townsville, Charters Towers, Mt Isa, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Murgon and Toowoomba participated in the first round of the Energy Savvy Families program late last year.

Under the program, Ergon installs a new digital meter. Using Ergon’s HomeSmart online system, customers can monitor their energy use, set a budget and even set alarms for when they are coming close to budget. Families also have an energy “champion” to help them, including advising them about any electricity concessions they may be eligible for.  

The ReduceYourJuice app uses mobile games and a series of mini quests and questions, with energy efficiency rewards, to encourage the whole family to use energy efficiently. 

Of the 5500 who participated in the first round, many cut their power bills by up to $200 per year and through using their digital meter they can continue to better manage their power use.

Energy Savvy Families is part of the Government’s $2 billion Affordable Energy Plan, which includes a two-year cap on electricity price rises to average inflation and a $50 annual rebate over the next two years for every household.

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Media inquiries:  Jan Martin 0439 341 314