Too stiff a fee to pay for power

HEARING how much our North Queensland pubs are struggling with power prices is disappointing to say the least.

It continues to be a common thread among businesses and everyday people.

Yes, governments seem to at least be acknowledging that’s an issue but what are they actually doing to fix the problem?

Last month, the State Government announced it was rolling out a $ 50 electricity asset dividend to households which will certainly be welcome.

But that’s a one- time $ 50 refund, it’s not a long- term solution to a problem that anecdotally is getting worse, particularly in regional Queensland.

The fact that some pubs are having to turn off cool rooms and are seriously struggling to pay their power bills is a huge concern.

A lot of businesses can become more efficient and that’s not a bad thing but we would all like to see a long- term fix to this issue.

The energy mix in Queensland is complex, with coal- fired power stations providing the large bulk of power and renewable projects also adding to that mix.

Regardless of your bent on what the better type of power is, the problem is not just a Queensland one, and it’s going to take some collective will to fix this issue.

Power companies are certainly not crying poor and the lack of choice for customers in North and Central Queensland does not help.

In April, the State Government said “their Affordable Energy Plan would continue to place downward pressure on power bills”.

If it’s true and if it works for the entire state that’s surely welcome news.

We can’t afford to lose businesses due to these crippling costs.

Pubs are more than just a drinking hole in regional areas and are a key part of communities, especially more isolated ones. Let’s make sure they, and all households and businesses get a fair go on power prices.