Tangible cost of living relief will be delivered for north Queenslanders who have borne the brunt of soaring power costs as prices fall for the first time in a decade.

The Queensland Competition Authority’s (QCA) final determination has confirmed electricity costs will drop by up to 6.9 per cent for regional households and 8.1 per cent for small businesses from 1 July. 

Having advocated for a better deal for regional power customers as the local Member, Burdekin MP Dale Last has hailed the reduction in electricity prices a win for the region’s families and small businesses.

“I have long called for Queensland’s regional power customers to receive a better deal and I’m proud to see the Crisafulli Government deliver the price cut our families and small businesses need,” Mr Last said.

“Following the Queensland Competition Authority’s final determination, our government took action to direct Ergon Energy to pass on the savings in full to regional households and small businesses.” 

“It’s only right that if the cost of energy falls, bills should too and now couldn’t be a better time with the national affordability crisis putting pressure on Queenslanders’ hip pocket.”

The QCA notes higher availability of Queensland coal generators, lower gas prices, and growing investment in batteries and renewables are driving down power bills for Queenslanders.

Mr Last said the concerns from families and small businesses around the increase in power prices under the previous Labor government had been heard loud and clear with the Crisafulli Government now delivering.

“This is real structural cost of living relief that we are delivering to Queenslanders no matter where you live in this state.”

“Under the previous Labor Government households bore the brunt of a 28.7 per cent increase in their power prices, in contrast the Crisafulli Government is bringing down prices with our Energy Roadmap.”