Energy and climate change

Electricity is an essential service for all Queenslanders. Access to electricity that is affordable and reliable is vital to our health, well-being and quality of life. Following the introduction of Full Retail Competition (FRC) in July 2007 which made it possible for some consumers to choose their electricity and gas retailers, energy prices have increased steadily. Responses to climate change will see prices increase even more. QCOSS has been funded by the Department of Mines and Energy and Office of Fair Trading to work, at the systemic level, on energy issues from a consumer perspective, particularly vulnerable and low income households.
Policy Paper Climate Change and Energy
Nov 2009
Many Queenslanders find themselves facing fuel poverty - unable to afford the energy they need to maintain an adequate standard of living. In this paper we outline our policy position in relation to Climate Change and Energy and make recommendations for reform to address the issue.
Submission AER Queensland Distribution Determination 2010-2015
May 2011
Submission AER Regulation of Powerlink Revenue Cap
Sep 2011
Submission Australian Energy Regulator's future retail functions
May 2011
Submission Climate Change: Adaptation for Queensland, Issues Paper
Nov 2011
This submission urges the Queensland Government to monitor the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable in society through working closely with the community services sector in any Climate Change Adaptation strategy. Some suggestions for monitoring change and assisting with impacts on individuals and communities are outlined.
Submission Draft Energy White Paper
May 2012
Energy & Climate Change
May 2011
In July 2007, the Queensland energy market underwent major changes. For the first time Queenslanders were able to choose which supplier they bought their electricity and gas from. Although Queensland consumers were promised significant cost savings by the Government with the introduction of full retail competition, electricity and gas prices are going up not down.
Submission Energy and Climate Change - Past Submissions/Papers
May 2011
Submission Energy Assured Ltd proposed self-regulatory scheme
May 2011
Submission Energy Fact Sheets
May 2011
Fact Sheets on Energy Supply and Pricing, Regulation, Consumer Assistance, Fuel Poverty, and how to help clients with their energy bills.
Media Release Energy rules must change—consumers and big business agree
Nov 2011
Consumer representatives from across the nation demand fairness in energy prices as rule changes are proposed to prevent price gouging by energy network businesses.
Essentially Fair
May 2011
Essentially Fair is the newsletter of the QCOSS Low Income Consumer Advocacy Team.
Submission Keeping the Lights On forum - presentations
May 2011
This forum, held in March 2010 by QCOSS, Queensland University of Technology’s Credit, Commercial and Consumer Law (CCCL) Program and the Financial Counsellors Association of Queensland (FCAQ), provided information on assistance available for clients experiencing energy hardship, and developments that are likely to affect consumers. Presentations are available here.
Submission National Energy Customer Framework
May 2011
Submission National Energy Retailer Reporting Project
May 2011
Submission Notified Electricity Prices 2010-11
May 2011
Submission Notified Electricity Prices for 2011-12
May 2011
Submission Notified electricity prices for 2012-13
Feb 2012
Media Release Price hike smaller than expected but better concessions still needed
Dec 2010
The Queensland Council of Social Service says it welcomes a smaller than expected draft electricity price hike for next year, but still hopes to see an improved concession framework in place before the increase come into effect.
Media Release QCOSS cautions on impact of move to cost-reflective energy structures
Apr 2012
Moves towards a more “cost-reflective” energy tariff structure must be accompanied by a review of current Queensland Government programs to assist vulnerable and low-income customers, warns the Queensland Council of Social Service.