The Queensland Government has announced it has written to over 25 consumer groups asking for their input on how to enhance participation in key aspects of policy and decision making in regards to the electricity market.

 

State Energy Minister Mark McArdle said the move would allow for an increased focus on allowing energy consumers a greater voice in setting power prices in the state.

 

“Consumers are the largest group in the economy but when it comes to electricity and water they have been the least heard.” Mr McArdle said.

 

Mr McArdle said consumers in other countries do have the right to be heard and electricity providers need to develop processes to allow them that opportunity here.

 

“Energy providers are increasingly proposing new initiatives with limited consumer involvement including technology to regulate air conditioner usage and time-based pricing policies,” he said.

 

Among the groups contacted include Financial Counselling Australia, Uniting Care Community, MS Queensland, Pensioners & Superannuants League QLD, QCOSS, Queensland Consumers Association, St Vincent de Paul, Tenants Union of Queensland and the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network.

 

Mr McArdle will raise the issue of increased consumer involvement at the State Government’s Energy Consumer Reference Group and Energy Retail Roundtable meeting on 23 October, 2012.