We need a solution to rising electricity bills

OPINION: THE new certainty in life that should be added to death and taxes should be rising electricity prices.

OPINION: THE new certainty in life that should be added to death and taxes should be rising electricity prices.

My own electricity bills have nearly doubled in the last couple of years, but I still count myself fortunate as I don't use a lot of power so I know there are plenty of people out there in the community paying far more than I am.

With the Fraser Coast being one of the poorest regions in Queensland, the expected rise of more than 22% from July 1 is going to cause real economic pain here.

The Queensland Competition Authority has blamed all sorts of things - the cost of producing electricity, the Queensland Government's solar bonus scheme and uncertainty in the wholesale market.

What I would like to know is what is anyone doing to fix it?

If the cost of producing coal-fired electricity is increasing by such unmanageable amounts, who is responsible for investigating other ways for Queensland to be producing its power?

The State Government talked big on the need to limit cost of living increases, such as electricity, before it was elected.

Now, Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle has said the Home Energy Emergency Assistance budget has doubled so low income households can get an emergency payment of up to $720 if needed.

It sounds a little like a Bandaid solution, rather than a long term plan to really address the issue.

Originally published as We need a solution to rising electricity bills