Qld: Electricity issues

[ozbob]

23 March 2016

Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Residential Power Prices Stable for Regional Queensland

Power prices for regional Queensland households are set to remain stable, with the release today of the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) draft decision on regulated retail electricity prices in 2016-17.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey encouraged stakeholders to review the draft decision and provide feedback before April 20, 2016 through the QCA website www.qca.org.au. The final decision will be published by May 31, with prices to apply from 1 July 2016.

Mr Bailey said the draft decision showed typical residential bills would rise 0.6% annually, less than half the current rate of inflation.

"Nobody likes a price rise but this latest draft decision on household bills reflects the price stabilisation that the Palaszczuk Government has been able to achieve, after the 43% increases seen under the former LNP Government," he said.

"This draft decision shows that those elements of the bill that the Government can impact are under control – particularly the network costs.

"As economic activity increases, so does power consumption which has an impact on generation costs.

"Last year the Palaszczuk Government intervened to direct Energex and Ergon to not appeal the Australian Energy Regulator's decision to curb network costs, and this is helping keep prices stable.

"That direction would not have been possible if our power assets had been sold off like the LNP proposed, and would still do given the chance."

Mr Bailey said that the Palaszczuk Government will continue to subsidise regional Queensland electricity prices, with over $500 million each year to ensure that 700,000 customers across regional Queensland pay a similar amount for their electricity to those in South East Queensland.

"We use the dividends we receive from our publicly owned power companies to fund those subsidies for regional Queenslanders – something else that's only possible because we kept our assets in public hands," he said.

"If our energy providers had been sold off to the private sector, it would have taken control of those businesses away from the Government and placed it into the hands of those whose number one goal was to protect profits, not consumers."

Mr Bailey said the decision to lock in electricity price stabilisation is also assisting to offset higher electricity generation prices for small businesses.

"Under the LNP in 2013-14 small businesses experienced an increase of 17.4%. This year the draft decision indicates a rise of 9.3%," he said.

"As the QCA notes, the increase in electricity generation costs that contributes to this rise reflects increased economic activity in Queensland, as well as uncertainty around the Federal Government's Renewable Energy Target."

ENDS

[ozbob]

'Perfect storm' to add $240 to power > https://t.co/Y00Kz431jQ

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) July 16, 2016

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Energy savings emerge for the savvy hosueholds

[ozbob]

31st December 2016

Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

New electricity rebate to help those who need it most

The new electricity concessions that will help 157,000 extra Queensland families with a Commonwealth Health Care Card save $330 a year on their energy bills will come into effect tomorrow.

Under the changes, eligible households will be able to contact their electricity retailer to apply for the concession from 1 April, but it will be back-dated to 1 January.

Minister for Energy Mark Bailey said the changes were thanks to the Palaszczuk Government's recent response to Queensland Productivity Commission findings.

"The Palaszczuk Government's extended assistance through its Electricity Rebate will bring even more help to vulnerable households with Health Care Card holders and asylum seekers eligible to receive around $330 a year to help pay their energy bills," Mr Bailey said.

"Reforming the energy concessions framework to improve support to vulnerable customers is a key element of the Government's response to the QPC's findings.

"Importantly, there will be no changes to existing eligibility for Pensioner Concession Card holders, Department of Veterans' Affairs Card holders or Queensland Seniors Card holders."

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to stabilising electricity prices after they surged during the Newman-Nicholls government.

"We came to government with a firm commitment to Queenslanders to stabilise electricity prices and this is another step in following through on our word," he said.

"Under the first two years of the Palaszczuk Government, prices have increased annually for households by an average of just 1.2 per cent.  This is in comparison to the 43 per cent rise during the Newman-Nicholls years.

"The stabilisation is in part due to our decision to direct the State electricity providers Ergon and Energex not to appeal the Australian Energy Regulator's decision to curb network costs.

Key elements in the government's response to the QPC Report include:

    providing additional funding starting at $48 million per annum (or $170.1 million to 2019-20) to extend the electricity rebate to Commonwealth Health Care Card Holders so that an additional 157,000 low-income Queensland families are better supported. From 1 January 2017, low-income households and families will become eligible to receive around $330 a year to help pay their energy bills;
    retaining the electricity rebate for holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, Veteran Affairs Gold Card or a Queensland Seniors Card;
    supporting regional business customers by providing $10 million over two years to deliver improved access to digital metering, greater information about tariff options and co-contributions to help customers invest in operation and equipment changes to manage bill impacts;
    maintaining our commitment to building the uptake of renewable energy in Queensland; and
    identifying improvements to the governance arrangements for the government's energy businesses to strengthen shareholder oversight.

Health Care Card holders can apply for the rebate by contacting their electricity retailer from 1 April 2017. Once verified, the rebate will start appearing on the eligible customers' next electricity bill, with payments back-dated to 1 January 2017, or the period when the customer became eligible after 1 January.

Information regarding the application process for asylum seekers will be released shortly.

Customers can keep up to date by visiting www.dews.qld.gov.au/electricity/rebates or follow 'Renewable Energy Queensland' on Facebook or Twitter or telephone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

"These additional concessions are responsible reforms that will provide a real benefit to these sometimes vulnerable groups," Mr Bailey said.

[ozbob]

25th January 2017

Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

New retailers enter market; shop around for a better electricity deal in 2017

South-East Queenslanders are urged to include in their new year to-do lists the re-evaluation of their electricity retailer and their electricity plan.

Minister for Energy Mark Bailey said newly implemented reforms to South-East Queensland's electricity market could bring real benefit and lower electricity costs.

"Thanks to major reforms South-East Queenslanders now have access to flexible electricity pricing as a result of the newly deregulated retail electricity market," Mr Bailey said.

"Retailers are also offering a wider range of products and services and using innovative new business models to tailor products to suit consumer preferences and usage levels."

Mr Baily said new retailers, Powershop and Red Energy, have recently launched in South East Queensland and was another sign of industry confidence in the deregulated electricity market.

"We deregulated South-East Queensland's electricity market to encourage new market entrants such as Powershop and Red Energy, to drive competition and provide customers with more choice and opportunity to save money on their bills," he said.

"Since the electricity deregulation reforms were implemented during 2016, five new retailers have entered the residential market and five new retailers have entered the small business market, making a total of 17 retailers in the residential market, and 16 retailers in the small business market.

"As a result, customers can now choose from over 130 new offers in the residential market and over 80 new offers in the small business market.

"This means South East Queenslanders can benefit from increased competition and innovation, including a range of household-specific products.

"For example, a family household can now access products which are more suited to high levels of electricity consumption at peak times, while a single person living alone can access a range of different packages which favour lower amounts of electricity consumption.

"Additional information and tools are available to help vulnerable customers compare offers and choose options that suit their needs.

"I encourage South-East Queenslanders to shop around for a better electricity deal, because the more you do the more retailers will be forced to compete."

Minister Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to stabilising electricity prices after they surged 43 per cent during the Newman-Nicholls government.

"We came to government with a firm commitment to Queenslanders to stabilise electricity prices for consumers and deregulation was just one of those steps to achieve this," he said.

"Under the first two years of the Palaszczuk Government, prices have increased annually for households by an average of just 1.2 per cent. This is in comparison to the 43 per cent rise during the Newman-Nicholls years.

"The stabilisation is in part due to our decision to direct the State electricity providers Ergon and Energex not to appeal the Australian Energy Regulator's decision to curb network costs.

"We're also extending assistance to 157,000 extra Queensland families with a Commonwealth Health Care Card, helping them save $330 a year on their energy bills.

"Under the changes, eligible households will be able to contact their electricity retailer to apply for the concession from 1 April, but it will be back-dated to 1 January.

"This is something the Newman-Nicholls government could have done for the state's most vulnerable consumers but didn't. I'm pleased the Palaszczuk Government has rectified this."

For more information on how to shop around for an electricity retailer visit www.dews.qld.gov.au/electricity/retailers/choosing

[ozbob]

30th April 2017

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Burdekin Falls Dam hydro-electricity to power North Queensland: Premier

The Palaszczuk Government will invest to develop a business case for a hydro-electric power station on the State's largest dam - Burdekin Falls Dam - to secure energy and support jobs for North Queensland.

Visiting Townsville today, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the plan to increase the Burdekin Falls Dam capacity by 150,000 megalitres to more than two million MLs was already being assessed by the Palaszczuk Government, working with the Federal Government under the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund.

The Premier said the Government wanted to now investigate establishing a hydro-electric power station, which could generate 150 gigawatt hours - the equivalent of the annual energy use of 30,000 homes - based on the current size and more if the Dam was raised.

"This project is critical for the development of northern Australia," the Premier said.

The Dam is currently at 101% of its 1,860,000ML storage capacity.

"The hydro-electric potential in the Burdekin has been talked about since the 1940s.  It was last proposed in 2014, but the proponent shelved the project amid disarray in Abbott-Turnbull Government energy policy, at a time when the Nicholls-Newman Government remained firmly anti-renewables" she said.

"Today I'm calling on the Prime Minister to work with my Government as we develop a Burdekin Hydro business case to complement the strategic assessment underway on the raising of the Burdekin Falls Dam by two metres to store more water and generate electricity."

"This will complement the existing Koombooloomba, Kareeya and Barron Gorge hydro power stations currently operating in North Queensland and the 800 MW pipeline of renewable energy projects committed in North Queensland over the last 12 months, a $1.5 billion investment supporting more than 1400 jobs."

Minister for the State Development, Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham has called on the Federal Government to consider investment in gas pipelines to open up the Galilee and Bowen Basins that could solve the shortage of gas in the east coast market and fuel job-creating energy users in Townsville.

"Generating hydro-electricity off the Burdekin Falls Dam, supporting other renewable energy projects and developing pipelines connecting gas reserves to communities and industry in the North, are more realistic and viable than a hypothetical and expensive coal-fired power stations," the Premier said.

"These should be priorities for the Turnbull Government's untapped $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and its infrastructure investment."

"The Palaszczuk Government stands for jobs in local manufacturing, export and tourism industries. To protect and create these jobs we are working on real options to deliver sustainable, affordable and secure energy."

"The Burdekin Falls Dam is already the largest dam in Queensland holding four times the capacity of Sydney Harbour."

"Queenslanders are experiencing higher wholesale generation prices in part as a result of the closure of privately owned power stations in the southern States driving up demand on Queensland as an energy exporter."

"We are developing a solid mix of our energy resources - coal, gas and renewables– bringing on more supply to the National Energy Market when southern states on the east coast refuse to."

"Instead of rewarding Queensland, Malcolm Turnbull is trying to hamper and hinder us with thought bubbles on energy policy, like his export gas ban threat and proposed coal-fired power station."

"Queensland is still yet to receive one cent in funding from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility more than 680 days after it was announced."

"With the support of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and the investment by the Queensland Government in the development of a business case this nation building project can become a reality.

In terms of water security for Townsville, in December 2016, the Palaszczuk Government, Federal Government and Townsville City Council signed the historic Townsville City Deal - Australia's first.

As part of the City Deal, the Townsville Water Security Taskforce has been established and is currently investigating short, medium and long-term solutions to water security for Townsville.

The Palaszczuk Government's business case into the potential for hydro at Burdekin is predominantly about energy supply, but will of course take into account the future findings of the Taskforce.

Led by independent Chair and Townsville local, Brad Webb, the Taskforce is engaging with community, industry and other relevant stakeholders to build on existing studies and research.

After consulting with the community, the taskforce is expected to report on options to the Premier and Prime Minister in the second half of 2017 by 30 June 2017.

Burdekin Falls Projects presentation Ext PDF

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Government moves to tackle power price hikes

[HappyTrainGuy]

Bet it does jack sh%t to the power bills.

[ozbob]

5th June 2017
   
Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Palaszczuk Government powers up an energy and jobs bonanza

In a major pre-Budget announcement, the Palaszczuk Government is investing $1.16 billion to ensure affordable, secure and sustainable energy supply for Queensland homes, businesses and industry.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the Government's Powering Queensland Plan - a roadmap to put downward pressure on electricity prices, power jobs and investment and lead the State's transition to a low-carbon electricity sector.

"We know that rising wholesale prices and energy security have emerged as key issues in Australia over the last six months, driven by a lack of federal policy leadership undermining industry investment, gas supply restrictions in southern states, retirement of ageing coal-fired power stations and unprecedented demand during recent summer heatwaves," the Premier said.

"That's why last week my Government took swift action in response to the QCA's regional price determination, investing $770 million to slash the price increase by more than half.

"My Government is committed to delivering stable electricity prices which have increased by just 1.9 per cent per year on average under our first term. This is in stark contrast to the 43 per cent increase inflicted by the Newman-Nicholls government over their term in office.

"We have used our public ownership of electricity assets to bring more supply into the market to reduce volatility and put downward pressure on wholesale prices, action would not have been possible if the LNP sold off these public assets.

"The Powering Queensland Plan – which includes the $386 million plan to strengthen and diversify North Queensland's energy and water supply which I announced in Townsville on Friday -  is by far the most comprehensive and decisive action by a State government to deal with Australia's current energy crisis."

Powering Queensland Plan

    Provide electricity price relief by investing $770m to cover the cost of the Solar Bonus Scheme
    Restart Stanwell Corporation's 385 megawatt (MW) Swanbank E gas-fired power station
    Direct Stanwell Corporation to undertake strategies to place downward pressure on wholesale prices
    Investigate the restructure of the Government owned Corporation generators and potential establishment of 'CleanCo'
    Deliver a $386m Powering North Queensland Plan to strengthen and diversify the north's energy supply
    Establish Queensland Energy Security Taskforce which will implement outcomes of the Finkel Review which are accepted by Queensland, among other actions
    Confirm the government's commitment to a 50 per cent renewable energy target
    Undertake a reverse auction for up to 400MW of renewable energy, including 100MW of energy storage
    Improve large-scale project facilitation, planning and network connections
    Implement the Queensland Gas Action Plan
    Continue to advocate for stable, integrated national climate and energy policies



Treasurer Curtis Pitt said Queensland has a highly secure energy supply, including the four youngest and cleanest coal-fired generators in the National Electricity Market; however ongoing vigilance is needed to ensure our future energy security.

"The Powering Queensland plan includes commissioning the Energy Security Taskforce - a team of experts to guide the state's robust energy security for both the short and long-term which includes implementing the Finkel Review recommendations," he said.

"The Taskforce will implement Finkel Review outcomes accepted by Queensland, providing options for maintaining system security and reliability to power our communities and industries with the energy and the jobs of the future.

"The Taskforce will be chaired by energy expert, Finkel Review panel member and former Energex Chief Executive Terry Effeney, and members include Professor Suzanne Miller, Queensland's Chief Scientist as well as Mr Jim Murphy Queensland's Under Treasurer and Professor Paul Simshauser Director-General of Queensland's Department of Energy and Water Supply."

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said the first priority for the Taskforce would be to work with Queensland's energy businesses to ensure Queensland's system remains secure during the high demand periods over the 2017–18 and 2018–19 summers.

"The Taskforce will also lead work into developing transmission infrastructure in Queensland's North-West to support a clean energy hub, assess the need for expanded interconnection between Queensland and other states, and investigate new hydro-electric generation sites," Mr Bailey said.

"The Palaszczuk Government is today releasing its response to the Renewable Energy Expert Panel Final Report and re-affirming our commitment to a 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030 (RET).

"The Expert Panel's Final Report confirms its draft findings that the RET will deliver significant economic benefits to Queensland, with a broadly cost neutral impact on electricity prices while maintaining system security and reliability.

"On the basis of these recommendations, the Government will support investment for up to 400 megawatts of a diversified renewable energy capacity by providing revenue certainty through a reverse auction process, including a 100 megawatt energy storage component, with an emphasis on supporting local jobs and benefits"

Mr Bailey said the Powering Queensland Plan positions Queensland to ensure affordability, supporting industry and jobs as the State transitions to a clean energy economy.

"The Palaszczuk Government will continue to work at the national level to support integrated policy, but in the absence of federal leadership we will not stand idly by and ignore the challenges facing the market," he said.

"The Powering Queensland plan is firm action to ensure we continue to meet Queensland's current and future energy needs."

For more information visit www.dews.qld.gov.au

[#Metro]

"We have used our public ownership of electricity assets to bring more supply into the market to reduce volatility and put downward pressure on wholesale prices, action would not have been possible if the LNP sold off these public assets.

My understanding was that the power station was mothballed (idle).

Er, companies don't buy productive assets to sit on them, they would have put it into production.

Queensland's largest power station at Gladstone was once a state-owned asset and was privatised by Goss (ALP) in 1994 for $750m.

Gladstone Power Station
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladstone_Power_Station

It still generates electricity today, because companies don't buy things to leave them sitting around.

[SABB]

"Under the first two years of the Palaszczuk Government, prices have increased annually for households by an average of just 1.2 per cent. This is in comparison to the 43 per cent rise during the Newman-Nicholls years.

I think that someone is being economical with the truth.  My understanding is that the price rises that occurred during the LNP reign were locked in by the QCA (I think)  during Anna  Bligh's term. In any event, the problem with electricity pricing was caused by a previous Labor Government locking in guaranteed returns when the poles and wires were sold off.

[ozbob]

12th July 2017
   
Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

New Energy Security Taskforce prepares Queensland for summer

Securing Queensland's future energy supply was the number one agenda item when the newly commissioned Queensland Energy Security Taskforce met for the first time today.

The Taskforce, recently announced as part of the Palaszczuk Government's $1.16 billion Powering Queensland Plan, will guide the state's robust energy security for both the short and long-term and will be tasked with implementing the COAG Energy Council agreed Finkel NEM
Review recommendations.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was taking action and would not sit idly by and watch the Federal Government continue to undermine the Queensland economy through policy paralysis.

"The lack of federal policy leadership has undermined industry investment which has led to an increase of electricity prices across the nation. This is clearly unacceptable," Mr Bailey said.

"We know the National Electricity Market (NEM) is broken – it's not serving industry, consumers or governments – and it's not designed for the energy market of 2017 and onwards.

"Recent increases in wholesale prices have been driven by increases in industrial demand, the closure of Hazelwood Power Station and summer heatwaves."

Mr Bailey said the first priority for the Taskforce, chaired by former Energex CEO, and panel member of the Finkel Review Mr Terry Effeney, will be to develop summer preparedness plans for 2017 -18 and 2018-19.

"During the summer heatwave earlier this year Queensland reached a new electricity demand record of 9369 megawatts," he said.

"When Queensland hit the maximum demand level, on a Sunday, the state still had strong system security with reserve capacity – even when the mercury was soaring – however that reserve capacity was less than we expected.

"Queensland has the four youngest and most efficient coal-fired generators and also plenty of flexible gas generation, including the 385 megawatt Swanbank E gas-fired power station, which was mothballed by the previous LNP government, and ordered back into service for the coming summer.

"Queensland is an energy powerhouse and the envy of the nation and we want to keep it that way."

Taskforce Chair Terry Effeney stressed that Queensland is in a good position but that it can't rest on its laurels.

"We will continue to ensure that networks and energy supply can reliably meet Queensland's high summer demands. An important part of that is looking at energy efficiency to help manage demand."

Mr Bailey agreed that Queensland is in a strong position but stressed that the Taskforce had been given a clear brief to develop short and long-term plans for maintaining energy security in the state.

"A top priority for the taskforce will be developing a feasibility study for new strategic transmission in North Queensland to support a clean energy hub.

"The Palaszczuk Government has already reinvested $150 million of Powerlink dividends through the Powering North Queensland plan for this project, and we look forward to seeing the Taskforce's detailed assessment of the best approach to this investment.

"We want innovation while we continue to be focussed on helping customers.

"The Taskforce is charged with developing a Demand Management and Energy Efficiency Strategy, and this work will provide the opportunities to support customers to better understand and manage their energy use.

The Taskforce will also provide advice on long-term market design for Queensland, including investigating:

    the development of new hydro-electric and pumped storage generation capacity across the State,
    expanding interconnection between Queensland and other states

The Taskforce will take account of the recommendations from Australia's Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel's Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market and provide advice to the Palaszczuk Government to help implement those recommendations which are adopted.

Other members of the Taskforce include Queensland's Chief Scientist Professor Suzanne Miller, Energy and Water Supply Director-General Professor Paul Simshauser, and Queensland's Under Treasurer, Mr Jim Murphy.

The Queensland Government has allocated $8.4 million as part of the Powering Queensland Plan to support the work of the Taskforce ensuring secure supply when demand is highest, including preparation of a demand management and energy efficiency strategy - as well as detailed power system modelling to identify longer-term system requirements for Queensland.

ENDS

[ozbob]

10th October 2017

Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Queensland is an energy power house and ready for summer

Queenslanders can be assured the state's electricity network is summer-ready following the delivery of an expert plan – a key outcome of the $1.16 billion Powering Queensland Plan.

While the Australian Energy Market Operator has predicted that Queensland's electricity supply is secure and ready to meet customer demands for many years to come, the Palaszczuk government isn't taking any chances with our energy security over the summer peak demand period. That is why our Energy Security Taskforce was established, and asked to prepare this plan.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt and Energy Minister Mark Bailey today unveiled the findings from Queensland's new Power System Summer Preparedness Plan prepared by the newly formed Energy Security Taskforce.

Mr Pitt said the plan focusses on the critical issue of power system security and reliability.

"The report demonstrates that the state has more electricity supply than ever before to help meet peak forecast summer demand levels," Mr Pitt said.

"Queensland is an electricity powerhouse and exports excess electricity almost all of the time.

"Queensland regularly experiences higher temperatures during the summer months and extreme weather events which place a higher than usual demand on our electricity network.

"The plan has been developed to firstly assess, and then ensure Queensland is well-prepared for the electricity demands the summer weather may bring."

Mr Bailey said the addition of Stanwell's Swanbank E gas fired power station and the enhancement of CS Energy's Wivenhoe's Power Station has increased generation capacity by 435MW ensuring there is adequate reserve above forecast peak demand.

"An additional 140MW of renewable energy will also be added to North Queensland over summer, including the commissioning of the 100 MW Clare Solar Farm," Mr Bailey said.

"Medium Term forecasts from the AEMO indicate Queensland will have around 11,445MW to meet its predicted summer demand peaks of 9,790 megawatts."

Taskforce Chair Terry Effeney said the plan was developed in consultation with government owned and private electricity generators, Powerlink, Energy Queensland and AEMO, and it details short term risks and opportunities to maximise generation availability.

"The plan ensures the state's transmission, state interconnector assets and distribution network are going to be ready for the summer," Mr Effeney said.

"The plan outlines how the state's increasingly diverse mix of electricity will improve resilience to power system risks such as heatwaves and natural disasters, or unforeseen system failures."

Mr Bailey said despite the secure supply, Queenslanders can also help by being vigilant with their power use this summer which will also help reduce their power bills.

"We can't change the fact that Queensland will continue to have heatwaves and extreme weather events, and while we cannot predict every risk scenario the Taskforce has presented a way forward for the short and medium-term," he said.

"To further strengthen our network security the plan includes the expansion of the PeakSmart program into regional Queensland, which offers cash incentives of up to $400 to consumers to encourage the installation of energy efficient air conditioners.

"This program rewards households for helping to keep our grid secure by reducing demand at peak times in a way that most households don't even notice.

"Our Energy Security Taskforce has confirmed the AEMO projections that Queensland is in a strong position to deliver a reliable and safe electricity supply through summer."

[ozbob]

Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Premier unveils $50 power bill savings and power price pledge

The Palaszczuk Government will ensure Queenslanders' power bills are pegged to average inflation over the next two years and cut $50 a year from bills as part of a $2 billion Affordable Energy Plan to provide cost of living relief.

The move will see all the dividends from Queensland's publicly-owned electricity assets reinvested in an all-out attack on affordability, while Queenslanders wait for the Prime Minister's proposed National Energy Guarantee.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the decision was part of a comprehensive package of measures to tackle the challenge of electricity bills.

"Owning our power assets gives us a unique ability to reinvest all the dividends in making electricity more affordable, something other states that have sold off their generators, poles and wires cannot do," the Premier said.

"In June, we reinvested $770 million in dividends to keep average household price rises to 3.3% this year – lower than any other mainland State in the National Electricity Market, some of which have seen prices increase by up to 20%.

"That helps Queenslanders, but I know the price of power is hurting a lot of families. That's why we are doing more.

"Our Plan will save Queenslanders – on their bills and on their electricity use."

The Premier said the Affordable Energy Plan will ensure typical Queensland households and small businesses will see no increase in their power bills above average inflation over the next two years.

"We look forward to seeing the detail of Malcolm Turnbull's National Energy Guarantee, but it won't start delivering promised savings until two years from now.

"We won't wait – we will deliver real, measurable savings to Queenslanders."

"While we have limited price increases, the pain from the 43% increase under the LNP has hurt households and businesses."

The Affordable Energy Plan features $300 million of new initiatives from 1 January 2018 including:

    Rebates of up to $300 to purchase an energy efficient fridge, washing machines or air conditioner. This provides bill savings of up to $50 a year for an energy efficient washing machine or fridge or $135 a year for an air conditioner. Up to 100,000 Queensland households are expected to take up the offer. ($20 million)
    An Asset Ownership Dividend of $50 a year for every household bill over the next two years, starting from January 2018 and evident on bills from the second quarter of 2018. ($200 million)
    Annual discounts for regional Ergon customers of $75 for households and $120 for small businesses that take up monthly billing options. 200,000 regional households are expected to initially take up this offer. ($15 million)

    Another 4000 regional households can save up to $200 through the expansion of the Energy Savvy program. ($4 million)
    Support for primary producers by delivering an additional 200 energy audits to agricultural customers through an expanded Energy Savers Plus program in partnership with the Queensland Farmers' Federation, as well as providing a 50% co-contribution (up to $20,000) to implement audit recommendations. ($10 million)

    Support for Queensland jobs and industry by providing energy audits for large customers including manufacturers, with a 50% co-contribution to implement recommendations (up to $250,000 per customer). This is expected to deliver savings of 10% to 40% for large industrial customers. ($10 million)

    Another $41 million in affordability additional measures.

In addition, the Premier said she would be delivering an ultimatum to electricity retailers this week - pass on the full savings that flow from public ownership of Queensland electricity assets, or come face to face with a publicly-owned electricity retailer that will undercut them.

"With our fleet of young and efficient coal and gas-fired generators and adding large-scale solar, we're producing the cheapest and most reliable wholesale electricity in mainland Australia.

"The consumer watchdog is clear – some retailers in the South-East are taking Queenslanders for a ride," the Premier said.

"I will be calling South-East Queensland energy retailers in for a meeting this week.

"If they don't immediately agree to pass on savings in full, we will go back into the retail market.

"We've already seen the great deals being offered by Alinta in conjunction with Queensland-owned generator CS Energy.

"Alinta was just a start.  I'm prepared to re-enter the retail market.  We can do it and only Queensland can do it -- we own power stations, poles and wires. 

"The next move is up to the retailers – and the clock is ticking.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said the suite of measures demonstrated the Government's commitment to keep building on the work done through the $1.16 billion Powering Queensland Plan announced in June.

"When we launched the Powering Queensland Plan, wholesale prices dropped overnight and have stayed down," Minister Bailey said.

"Those lower prices should be passed on to consumers.

"Queenslanders shouldn't be paying higher prices because of the failure of privatisation and generation shortfalls in other States.

"That's why we are calling for a rewrite of the rules of the broken National Electricity Market."

The Palaszczuk Government energy saving tips at www.dews.qld.gov.au/electricity/energy-save.