Council plugs into state scheme to cut power bills

TOOWOOMBA Regional Council has the chance to cut its power bill by up to 40 per cent under a $16 million Palaszczuk Government energy initiative.

The AEMC report said wholesale costs would soar 48 per cent next year, then fall 18 per cent in 2019 and almost 30 per cent in 2020.

TOOWOOMBA Regional Council has the chance to cut its power bill by up to 40 per cent under a $16 million Palaszczuk Government energy initiative. 

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said council had been selected to get free independent energy audits, including comprehensive advice on energy management strategies and advice on the standard electricity tariff that best suits them. 

"We want to help them reduce electricity costs so TRC can continue to provide jobs and a significant contribution to the local economy," he said. 

"This initiative is expected to deliver savings of 10 to 40 per cent for large industrial customers. 

"The government will fund up to 50 per cent towards the costs of implementing the audit recommendations." 

Dr Lynham encouraged other large energy users, particularly the region's many manufacturers, to put their hands up for the scheme. 

"Applications will open by March next year for another 30 large energy customers to join the scheme," he said. 

"Energy costs are a significant for manufacturing and we are serious about finding and funding ways to help businesses reduce their power bill, increase productivity and create jobs. 

"Large energy customers can register their interest now for the next phase, funded under the Palaszczuk Government's $2 billion Affordable Energy Plan. 

"This initiative also provides support to large customers in regional Queensland who are on obsolete electricity tariffs that the Queensland Competition Authority is transitioning to standard business tariffs by 1 July 2020. 

"It's only because we retained our electricity assets that we've been able to reinvest the dividends to support Queensland consumers, with initiatives like this." 

Another nine regional organisations were also selected to undergo audits: 

• Cairns Regional Council
• MSF Sugar and Howe Farmsat Mareeba
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council
• YWAM in Townsville
• Isis Central Sugar Mill at Childers
• Walkers Engineering and Queensland Sugar Limited at Bundaberg
• Dobinsons Spring and Suspension in Rockhampton.

Originally published as Council plugs into state scheme to cut power bills