7 November 2017
Power bills are set to surge under LNP plans to “break up” recently merged electricity distributor Energy Queensland – revealed by Jarrod Bleijie to the Toowoomba Chronicle yesterday.
Not4Sale Campaign Coordinator Stuart Traill slammed the LNP’s decision to quietly reveal plans to break up EQ, despite party leader and long-time asset sales proponent Tim Nicholls only announcing a write down of the electricity distributor on Sunday.
Mr Traill said Queenslanders were set to pay in the hip pocket for the LNP’s clueless decision.
“The merger of Ergon and Energex is delivering $600 million of savings through the removal of duplication, waste and increased efficiencies as a result of common purchasing, work practices and policies,” he said.
“There are zero competition benefits when the distribution network is a monopoly.
“This only shows the LNP have no understanding of the electricity industry and zero credibility on driving down power prices.”
Mr Traill said the demerger decision – along with widely announced plans to split up power generators CS Energy and Stanwell into three – could only be explained as a way to create more assets for the LNP to sell to their big business mates.
“This demerger will only increase power prices and fatten up the demerged entities for privatisation,” he said.
“The only way Queenslanders can ensure their assets stay in public hands and stop power prices skyrocketing is to put the LNP and One Nation last.”
For further information please contact: Stuart Traill 0488 225 625 or Dan Nancarrow 0448 633 858