Newman’s Broken Promise Confirmed As Power Bills Rise Even Higher Than Expected

Media Release.

Shadow Treasurer Curtis Pitt says Campbell Newman has betrayed Queensland families yet again, with information Gazetted this morning suggesting that electricity prices are set to rise by 22.5% next financial year.

“Campbell Newman promised Queenslanders, in writing, that he’d ‘lower’ their power bills,” Mr Pitt said.

“It was a reckless promise and clearly a shameless pre-election stunt that Mr Newman never had any intention of honouring.

“Queensland families already struggling to pay their bills will be devastated by Mr Newman’s broken promise.”

Mr Pitt said the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) determination for electricity prices in 2013-14 would include an increase of $266 for the average household.

This is higher than the Government’s forecast increase of 21.4%, or $253.

“This year electricity bills rose on average $140, and next year they’ll increase by $266.

“Every time a Queenslander opens their electricity bill, they’ll think about Campbell Newman’s broken promise.

“Not only was it a pre-election pledge by Campbell Newman, but as recently as February, his senior Ministers were still pulling the wool over Queenslanders eyes.**

“On top of the power price surge, insurance taxes are going up, water bills are going up, the fire levy’s going up.

“Queenslanders didn’t vote for Campbell Newman so that he could arrogantly break his promises and hammer Queensland families with massive cost of living increases.”

Based on Gazetted information* for Tariff 11 this morning, final determination tables as per new rates from 1 July 2013.

Type	Consumption (kWh)	2012-13 Bill	2013-14 (Final)	Difference ($)	Increases (%)
Single person	3070	$884	$1,103	$219	24.70%
Two Person	4091	$1,143	$1,404	$261	22.80%
Average(median)	4250	$1,184	$1,450	$266	22.50%
Four person	6133	$1,662	$2,004	$342	20.60%
Six Person	8490	$2,260	$2,698	$438	19.40%

*rounded figures based on Gazetted information

**Statements from Friday, February 22, 2013, discussing the draft QCA determination:

Mr Nicholls:

“This increase is simply unacceptable. The government is committed to finding ways to reduce it, and to reduce the impact on Queensland families.

Mr McArdle:

“The Government understands the cost of living pressures that Queensland households are under, and increases like this are just not acceptable.

“The Newman Government will ensure it is reduced to the lowest level possible.