Origin Electricity Price Hikes - Will these impact on QR?

[Fares_Fair]

Origin Electricity Price Hikes - Will these impact on QR?

Not sure who the State Government's electricity provider is for Queensland Rail.
But Origin energy price hikes as of 11 July 2012 are as follows:

General lights & power     Tariff 11 went up 13.8% 
Off Peak Hot Water          Tariff 31 went up 55.2% 
Swimming pools etc         Tariff 33 went up 49.3% 
                                      Daily service fee up 125.5% 

[ozbob]

I don't know.  I expect the carbon tax per se will though.  Brainless tax that imposts on sustainable transport modes but doesn't impact on cars ... 

[somebody]

Perhaps it will but I can't imagine that a 13.8% increase would be very noticeable.  Cityrail's electricity expense is still under $100m, and $100m is about the estimated saving from removing guards in NSW.

[ozbob]

Minister McArdle said on 612 ABC Brisbane radio this morning that electricity prices have gone up 60% over the past 5 years.  I reminded them that public transport fares have gone up 65% over the last 4 years, with further 7.5% increases to come 2013 and 2014 ...

[Gazza]

Re the electricity price hikes, a lot of it is due to growing consumer demand.
For the last semester I wrote a paper which dealt with some of these issues (Topic was on subtropical housing, so naturally spoke about energy use for part of it)

A 2.5kW air conditioner might cost the consumer only $900 or so, but it costs the grid $7500 in extra infrastructure.

At $6 Bil, CRR looks expensive right? But consider that from 2010-2015 that same amount is being spent on electricity infrastructure to meet demand.

It's pretty much a problem of our own making that could have been avoided by not building so many brick/tile roof homes with poor sunshading and natural ventilation......

[#Metro]

Re the electricity price hikes, a lot of it is due to growing consumer demand.
For the last semester I wrote a paper which dealt with some of these issues (Topic was on subtropical housing, so naturally spoke about energy use for part of it)

A 2.5kW air conditioner might cost the consumer only $900 or so, but it costs the grid $7500 in extra infrastructure.

Just out of curiosity - aren't there separate prices for Industry and Residential? If residential usage is what is driving excessive power costs, then surely that part of the business should be the one facing price hikes? I think it is a bit sad that our buildings are so flagrantly wasteful in energy. Many of the places I have lived in, in fact ALL of the places I lived in DID NOT have air conditioning - you'd open the windows and let the breeze through.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Pretty sure QR used to be their own electricity supplier until the Government... oh dear QR now gets its power from a industrial state/national supplier that has different terrifs than commercial suppliers like orign/energex etc. I forget their name but they only provide services to those that require lots of it with a next to nill downtime 24/7/365 per year such as railways, airports, hospitals etc. For the railways its a mixxed game as they have multiple electricity suppliers IIRC. The expensive dedicated no downtime high voltage supply for overheads/signals/points/stabling mtce facilities etc and local supply for stations such as lighting and general power etc.

[SurfRail]

I wouldn't actually be surprised if power supplied to QR's overhead was on its own tariff altogether.  (I'm occupied presently, but if somebody wants to have a plumb through the Queensland Competition Authority website you should find a list of various tariffs and purposes.)

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Newman ends $27m worth of Origin Energy contracts in campaign against electricity retailer's shock price rises

[Golliwog]

Couriermail --> Newman ends $27m worth of Origin Energy contracts in campaign against electricity retailer's shock price rises

Anyone else think this looks a bit like a temper tantrum? I can understand not approving of what Origin is doing, but there are more constructive ways of doing things than this.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Newman ends $27m worth of Origin Energy contracts in campaign against electricity retailer's shock price rises

Anyone else think this looks a bit like a temper tantrum? I can understand not approving of what Origin is doing, but there are more constructive ways of doing things than this.

I checked out http://www.switchwise.com.au/

There is very little difference between the lot of them, exception being the green suppliers which are a lot more expensive.

It is more melodrama in part from the Premier, bit of a wank actually.  All the suppliers are as bad as one another by the looks of things ..

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Govt pulls plug on Origin Energy contracts

[Fares_Fair]

Origin are also refusing to show the carbon tax as a breakdown in their bills, in accordance with Queensland Government requirements it will only be listed as a separate message explaining the carbon impact, according to the letter I received.

Certainly seems to be some political bias involved, by Origin.

[mufreight]

A normaly credible source tells that a fare increase of up to 9% can be expected to cover the costs as a result of the carbon tax, electricity being the major component.
Not good news but then not unexpected either.

[somebody]

I'll mark your words mufreight.  Seems pretty steep though.  Assuming no deterred trips and ignoring previous fare hikes, 2010/11 fare revenue totalled $314.5 million, so 9% of that would be $28 million.  Well beyond the credible cost increase to QR from higher electricity charges.

[Fares_Fair]

The Letter, now known as Origin of the Fleecies

[wbj]

There will be no correlation between the increases in domestic tariffs by Origin Energy and the charges incurred by QR.  And the cost recovered by the government in fares is only marginally dependent on it's actual running costs.  Expect plenty of political spin but not any change from the programed fare increases.

[Golliwog]

Origin are also refusing to show the carbon tax as a breakdown in their bills, in accordance with Queensland Government requirements it will only be listed as a separate message explaining the carbon impact, according to the letter I received.

Certainly seems to be some political bias involved, by Origin.

From http://www.originenergy.com.au/news/article/asxmedia-releases/1403

29 June 2012
Origin responds to speculation on energy prices
...
Contrary to statements made in the media today, Origin will carry a bill message in Queensland that estimates the impact of the price on carbon and/or green energy schemes on householders' bills. The message will be provided by the regulator and will appear on customers' first bill post 1 July.
...

Which would suggest that they will actually have a cost estimate of the carbon tax on their bills.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Campbell Newman's declaration of war on Origin Energy price rises to cost taxpayers

[ozbob]

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=79745

Monday, July 02, 2012

Electricity planning underway for better future

While the Newman Government fights for Queenslanders over Origin Energy's big price increases, it is also looking forward, planning how to deliver a more affordable, efficient and sustainable electricity industry.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply, Mark McArdle said the Government provided some insulation against the initial impact of Labor's Carbon tax by freezing the standard residential tariff (Tariff 11) at 2011-12 levels.

"The Newman Government has, as promised, frozen the cost of the standard residential tariff (Tariff 11) at 2011-12 rates from 1 July 2012," Mr McArdle said.

"This is what we said we'd do during the State Election. And, this is what the Newman Government has done within its first 100 days."

Mr McArdle said the promised freeze on Tariff 11 would provide some short-term relief from Federal Labor's ongoing cost-of-living pain, while the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) and the Independent Review Panel (IRP) made an assessment on how best to reform power delivery in Queensland.

"Corporate structures, staffing, everything that drives prices will come under the microscope of this independent review process as it sets about recommending how to make the system work better," he said.

"Its scope will be broad in scrutinizing all cost pressures, including network costs, electricity supply and retail competition. We have to deliver the best results to Queenslanders."

While most electricity bills this year could still see a double-digit increase, Mr McArdle said the only increase for any Queensland household electricity bills on Tariff 11 this year should be because of Federal Labor's carbon tax.

The Newman Government's Tariff 11 subsidy is not a handout for energy companies and their shareholders, but a measure to help struggling Queensland households pay their electricity bill this year," he said.

"Most households are struggling under the former State Labor Government's snowballing cost of living pressures, and future cost of living expenses like electricity, gas and water will soon be hit hard by Federal Labor's new carbon tax."

The IDC will deliver a final report to government in January 2013.

[ENDS] 2 July, 2012

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Power price rises continue as AGL announces increase in peak rate

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Second energy provider ignores Newman's price 'freeze'

[ozbob]

Good to have  simple price comparison table, but where is it??

==========================

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=79810&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

Saturday, July 07, 2012

McArdle shines light on household power prices

The Newman Government today released a comparison table of some electricity prices to help Queensland residents shop around and get a better deal.

Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle directed his Department to prepare the 'user-friendly' table after Origin Energy announced outrageous price increases for 2012-13.

Mr McArdle said the electricity retail price table will help consumers make a more informed decision when choosing the most affordable electricity contract.

"Shining a brighter light on retail prices will help people find the best deal, increase competitive tension between retailers and help Queenslanders recognise they are not powerless in exercising their choice," he said.

While the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) provided detailed analysis on regulated electricity prices and a price comparator, Mr McArdle said it was too difficult for people to read.

"Queensland residents shouldn't need an economics degree to make a decision about which energy company will deliver the best deal for them," he said.

"The only increase for Queensland household electricity bills on the Standard Residential Tariff (Tariff 11) should be because of Federal Labor's carbon tax.

"If people see other increases they aren't happy with, they can now more easily vote with their feet."

Mr McArdle said the electricity industry was well aware that electricity retail companies would be subsidised by the Newman Government's promised freeze on Tariff 11 this year.

In addition to looking around for better prices on its own existing contracts, the Government is also looking at legislative reforms that will ban retail contract exit fees, as well as ensure subsidies are passed on to Queensland households.

Mr McArdle thanked energy companies who were working collaboratively with the Newman Government to turn the lights on Queensland's retail electricity prices.

[ENDS] 7 July, 2012

==============

Twitter

Queensland Gov Media ‏@qldgovmedia

Electricity Price Comparison Table http://bit.ly/OfVlRX

==============

I have given feedback on Twitter and by SMS that the table is missing yesterday.  No feedback or acknowledgement.  Table is still missing.

Bumblers ...

[ozbob]

No feedback or acknowledgement, but the missing table has now appeared ..

Click --> here!

[ozbob]

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=79862&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Families now protected from unfair early termination fees on electricity market contracts

New laws in Queensland will stop electricity retailers charging early termination fees to small customers who want to exit their market contract because of increased electricity charges above the notified price.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle said the landmark legislative changes passed by the Queensland Parliament today delivered on the Newman Government's promise to protect electricity customers from exorbitant increases in retailer charges.

Mr McArdle said the Newman Government changed the Electricity Act 1994 to let market customers terminate their electricity supply contract without penalty if their retailer increased charges to more than notified prices (like the Tariff 11 price).

The changes apply to customers under a market contract who receive notification that their prices will increase. The changes also cover customers who, since 1 June 2012, have received notification of increased prices.

The new rules provide ongoing protection for small and residential electricity customers.

"The new requirements are mandatory for all electricity retailers," Mr McArdle said.

Mr McArdle said the Newman Government made easing the cost of living pressures one of its top priorities.

"We have done this by freezing the standard domestic electricity tariff (Tariff 11) at the 2011-12 rate this financial year," he said.

"A climate of rising electricity prices and unscrupulous retailers trying to price gouge unsuspecting Queenslanders has made the Newman Government more determined than ever to address cost of living concerns.

"Banning early termination fees today takes our commitment to lowering the cost of living a step further by protecting new and existing market customers from excessive electricity price rises."

Mr McArdle said he hoped the Newman Government's swift action would motivate Queenslanders to shop around – and secure a better electricity deal for their family and small business.

The Electricity (Early Termination) Amendment Bill 2012, passed by Queensland Parliament will become law on assent.

[ENDS] 12 July 2012

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Origin backs down on power price hikes

[ozbob]

Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman
17/07/2012

Premier welcomes Origin price wind back

Premier Campbell Newman today welcomed news Origin Energy would adhere to the State Government's Tariff 11 freeze as a win for all Queenslanders.

Mr Newman was an outspoken critic of Origin after the electricity supplier sent letters to customers notifying them of imminent price hikes which would add about $400 to the average annual power bill.

He put Origin on notice that his family would be changing providers and his MPs would also mount a campaign to encourage people to "shop around" for a better deal.

Mr Newman said he met with Origin CEO Grant King recently and expressed his dismay at Origin's electricity increases.

"I told him directly that my family were saving money by going to another provider and that the government would continue to encourage Queenslanders to shop around for the best deal on electricity prices," Mr Newman said.

Following the meeting, Origin announced that a review of pricing pro cesses had resulted in the decision to put all customers on the regulated Tariff 11, meaning they would not see the sharp price rises the company had planned.

"I welcome the decision by Origin to wind back their proposed price increases for Queenslanders on market contracts," Mr Newman said.

"This is a win for common sense and a win for cutting the cost of living for Queensland families.

"The only increase families will see is the cost of the carbon tax, which the Prime Minister claims we'll be compensated for."

Some of the initiatives the LNP Government have introduced to cut the cost of living include freezing family car rego for the first term, reintroducing discounted weekly fares for go card users, freezing the standard domestic electricity tariff and reintroducing stamp duty concessions for the principal place of residence, saving families up to $7,000 on the family home.

Mr Newman had asked the government to review all contracts with Origin and to seek the cheapest provider for Queensland government business to save Queensland taxpayers money.

He said Origin's decision now put them back in the race to be the cheapest energy provider to the Queensland Government.

[ENDS] 17 July 2012

[Fares_Fair]

The Origin energy price hikes as of 11 July 2012 were as follows:

General lights & power     Tariff 11 no longer will increase 13.8%    this one now will be reduced (i.e. the smallest of all the increases), all others remain!
Off Peak Hot Water          Tariff 31 went up 55.2% 
Swimming pools etc         Tariff 33 went up 49.3% 
                                      Daily service fee up 125.5% 

[ozbob]

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=79932&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Minister for Energy and Water Supply

The Honourable Mark McArdle

Friday, July 20, 2012

Mid-August deadline to terminate electricity market contracts without penalty

Queensland now has new laws preventing electricity retailers from charging early termination fees to small customers who want to terminate their market contract because of their electricity charges increasing above the notified price.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle said household and small business customers on electricity market contracts who were informed their charges would increase above the notified prices had until 16 August 2012 to terminate their market contract without paying an exit fee.

"I recommend these customers contact their retailer to confirm the terms and conditions of their contract and the options available to them," Mr McArdle said.

Customers who end a market contract and go back to notified prices on a standard retail contract can move to another retailer whenever they want.

There is no time limit on changing to another retailer for electricity customers on notified prices.

"The new laws provide ongoing protection for small and residential electricity customers and are mandatory for all electricity retailers," he said.

"It provides greater flexibility and a safeguard for customers to shop around, do their sums and switch to a new market contract retailer, or revert to the standard regulated tariff, if that's what they want to do."

Mr McArdle said this landmark legislation delivered on the Newman Government's promise to protect electricity customers from exorbitant increases in retailer charges.

"A climate of rising electricity prices has reinforced the Newman Government's steely determination to address cost of living concerns."

The Electricity (Early Termination) Amendment Bill 2012 was passed by Queensland Parliament last week and received Royal Assent yesterday.

[ENDS] 20 July 2012