August 12, 2014
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington is urging farmers and irrigators to contact Ergon Energy as they may be able to save money by switching to a more appropriate electricity tariff.
Mrs Frecklington said in the Nanango Electorate figures show as many as 133 local irrigators could strike a better deal on their electricity bills.
“Our government understands the challenges facing all electricity customers, particularly farmers and irrigators,” she said.
“Figures show that more than 4500 customers across the State could potentially benefit by shifting from the transitional farming tariffs (62, 65 and 66) to a small business tariff (20 or 22).
“Every farm has very different electricity usage depending on crop and climate but Ergon has found that on average some of its customers could be $800 a year better off.
“Ergon Energy has a team of advisers available to help agricultural businesses to work out the tariff structure that best suits their individual circumstances.”
The Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, Ergon Energy and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation are also working together to develop more ways to help reduce on-farm costs through the more efficient use of energy and water.
These include the Irrigators Energy Savers Project which will look at 30 trial sites covering a broad range of Queensland agribusinesses from vegetable, cane and grain growers to dairies and turf farms.
Irrigators keen to review their electricity tariffs should call Ergon Energy’s Advisory team on 1300-135-210.
For customers having difficulty paying their bills, or for drought assistance arrangements, help is available through Ergon Energy’s Customer Assist program on 13-10-46.
