March 4, 2013
The State Government has accused unions of impeding reforms that would lower electricity prices to consumers and urged them to stop campaigning against “hypothetical” asset sales.
Queensland Energy Minister Mark McArdle said the pace of reform in the industry needed to increase.
Mr McArdle said “over-building” of the network and “work practices that impede management” were to blame.
“Instead of protesting and running campaigns against hypothetical asset-sales policies, unions would be better off ensuring the public could see the value of the electricity businesses and working to keeping prices down,” Mr McArdle said.
“Reducing costs and increasing the returns from Government-owned electricity assets is the best way of keeping prices down and demonstrating value from these businesses.”
On February 22 the Queensland Consumer Authority (QCA) recommended that electricity prices rise by as much as 23 per cent for single-person households and 19 per cent for six-person households from July.
If approved, a typical customer’s annual electricity bill would rise from $1,184 to $1,437.
The State Government is currently considering the QCA’s report.
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