Thousands to Save on their Electricity Bill

More than 13,900 households in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area will be eligible to save money on their electricity bills from next year, Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting said today.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt has confirmed that vulnerable Queenslanders, who hold a Health Care Card will be eligible to receive this expansion of the electricity rebate at a cost of %170 million over four years.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to putting downward pressure on electricity prices,” Mr Whiting said

“For the first time in Queensland’s history, low-income customers will be able to get the rebate,” said Chris Whiting.

“All up the generously expanded electricity concession program will provide $840 million to Queenslanders over the next four years,”

“From 1 January 2017, 157,000 additional households can look forward to saving $330 a year on their power bills,”

“This reform is about improving support to vulnerable Queenslanders,” Mr Whiting said

“The Government has already taken action to stabilise prices, including directing Energex and Ergon Energy not to challenge the decision by the Australian Energy Regulator to reduce network revenues.

“Queenslanders endured 43 per cent electricity price increases under the Newman-Nicholls Government.  Prices have stabilised under Palaszczuk Government,” Chris Whiting said.

Seniors and Pensioners will continue to receive the rebate, after the Government committed to funding the rebate for Queenslanders with a Seniors Card or Pensioner Concessions Card.

Chris Whiting said people can apply for the rebate from 1 April 2017, with payments being backdated to 1 January 2017.