The Palaszczuk Government is investing in Queensland’s energy future after its state-owned assets submitted their final proposals to the Australian Energy Regulator.
Energy Qld Ltd has lodged updated submissions for to the Australian Energy Regulator for Ergon and Energex’s network investment plans for 2020 to 2025.
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the updated submissions will ensure Queenslanders will receive safe, secure and reliable electricity all across the state.
“We have the energy trifecta here in Queensland: lowest prices on the eastern seaboard, reliable supply and a planned transition to a renewable future,” Dr Lynham said.
“These revised submissions will ensure residents all over Queensland will have access to reliable electricity especially in times of natural disasters such as cyclones and bushfires.”
Queensland’s energy network businesses have accepted the majority of the AER’s recommendations with Queensland on track to have the largest bill decreases in the nation next year.
The revised proposals will mean the average Queensland residential household and small business power bills will see significant reductions.
Dr Lynham said the latest submissions prove once again that the Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its commitment to lower power prices in Queensland.
“With our state-owned assets we are delivering a safe and reliable power supply for all Queenslanders along with a planned transition to a renewable future,” he said.
“Meanwhile it is hypocritical for the LNP Opposition to be talking about power prices at all after they oversaw the largest bill increases on record.
“Power prices went up 43 per cent under them in an attempt to make power assets more profitable for a sell off.
“We are also keeping jobs in the regions while the LNP wants to sell our assets and take jobs away from regional Queenslanders.”
The final AER Determinations will be handed down in April, with new pricing coming into effect from 1 July.
“No matter what happens now, the submissions are in, and we will accept the umpire’s decision in the final determination,” Dr Lynham said.
