The recent draft recommendation by QCA seems to run into opposition by the State Government. Citing the Benchmark Retail Cost Index (BRCI), the QCA has proposed an increase in electricity costs by 13.8% applicable for a year starting 1st July. However, this proposal does not gel well with the State Authorities who have to approve it.

Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson has misgivings about certain assumptions in QCA’s draft. Ordering an enquiry into the methodology of QCA’s analysis, he has a valid point, "I fail to understand how New South Wales' independent tribunal has this week assumed a zero per cent increase in the cost of energy, while the QCA today assumes it is rising at 10.7 per cent, and passed on a significant increase as a result.”

Even Premier Anna Bligh feels that the suggested rates are very high. Mr. Robertson urges Queenslanders to provide feedback during the public consultation, which runs until February next year ahead of the submission to the QCA’s draft.

There is a high concern for low earners and pensioners who are being helped out through programs such as schemes and rebates for senior citizens, solar hot water systems program, low-carbon diets and ClimateSmart Home service. All this is when Queensland electricity is one of the cheapest in the country.