What are the components of an electricity bill in Queensland?

• Wholesale generation : 25% (approx.)
  65% of the wholesale generation capacity in Queensland is owned by the Queensland Government

• Networks (Poles & Wires) : 50% (approx.)
  100% of the transmission and distribution networks are owned by the Queensland Government

• Retailer : 25% (approx.)
  In regional Queensland the electricity retailer selling electricity to almost all residential & small business customers is the 100% Queensland Government owned Ergon Energy.
  
  Ergon Energy sells electricity to over 730,000 points of connection to residential & business customers. This means that the 100% Queensland Government owned Ergon Energy is almost the exclusive seller of electricity to 97% of the geographic area of Queensland.
  
  South east Queensland residential and small business customers can purchase electricity from around 17 retailers; none of whom are owned by the Queensland Government. There are over 1.4 million points of connection to residential & business customers in south east Queensland.

Source: QEUN (Queensland Electricity Users Network)

National Issues

• Surging wholesale electricity prices

  Current investigation into electricity supply & pricing by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
  ACCC's preliminary report is due to the Federal Minister by 27th September 2017 and a final report must be submitted by 30th June 2018.
  An issues paper has been released and is linked here. Submissions to the issues paper closed 30th June 2017.

  

  Source: Australian Energy Market Operator

• Exorbitant Network Revenues

  The issue of exorbitant network revenue caps needs to be addressed by the National Electricity Rules. Millions of dollars has been wasted at the Australian Competition Tribunal / Federal Court addressing this issue.
  
  A review is in progress and we hope for good results.

• Retailer Profits

  Current investigation by the ACCC’s Electricity Supply & Prices Inquiry.
  The inquiry will also investigate the market power of the 3 dominant gentailers (retailers with generation) who between them control in excess of 80% of the national retail electricity market, other than regional Queensland. Regional Queensland small business and residential customers are captive to Ergon Energy.

• Blueprint for the National Energy System

  The Finkel Review, chaired by Australia's chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel, has delivered their final report to COAG Leaders (Council of Australian Governments) on 9th June, 2017. For more information on the Finkel Report click here.
  

Electricity Flow & Prices

Australian Energy Market Operator : Data Dashboard

Real time generation verses demand and real time prices. The flow chart will help you understand the interactions of generation and demand between the states of Australia.

A balanced national electricity system ensures that reliability of supply is maintained. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring reliable and secure supply.

CLICK HERE : Watch the LIVE feed : National Electricity Market Overview