Households and small businesses across the Redlands could soon see some relief on their electricity bills, with new draft pricing indicating a significant drop in costs for the 2026–27 financial year.
The latest draft Default Market Offer shows a 10.1 per cent reduction in electricity prices for residential customers in South East Queensland, alongside a 12.8 per cent reduction for small businesses.
Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker said the proposed cuts would come as welcome relief for locals grappling with ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“Families across the Redlands know just how much pressure higher electricity costs place on the household budget,” Mrs Stoker said.
“This draft reduction is encouraging news for local households and for the many small businesses in our community who have been carrying the burden of soaring costs.
“Whether it is a family trying to make ends meet, a retiree watching every dollar, or a local café, retailer or small operator managing rising overheads, lower power prices will make a real difference.”
Mrs Stoker said the draft determination reflected the impact of the State Government’s Energy Roadmap, which she said was beginning to ease pressure on power prices.
“Queenslanders saw power prices skyrocket under the former Labor Government, including a 19.9 per cent increase in a single year,” she said.
“The Crisafulli Government is taking a more practical and responsible approach by properly maintaining existing energy assets, improving reliability and making sure we build what is needed for the future.
“That is how you deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy without asking Queenslanders to keep paying more.”
She pointed to the Government’s $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee as a key measure aimed at restoring confidence in the energy system.
“Affordable electricity is not a luxury. It is essential, particularly for those residents who are on fixed incomes,” Mrs Stoker said.
“In the Redlands, where families are balancing mortgages, groceries, fuel and school costs, and where local businesses are fighting to keep costs down and stay competitive, every bit of bill relief matters.
“I welcome the Treasurer’s call on energy retailers to pass these savings on, and I strongly support that message.
“If prices are coming down, local households and small businesses should see that reflected in their bills.”
The Australian Energy Regulator will now undertake consultation on the draft determination, with a final decision expected in May.
Mrs Stoker said she would continue to push for practical cost-of-living relief for the community.
“Queensland families deserve a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, and that starts with getting the basics right,” she said.
“For families and businesses across the Redlands, cheaper and more reliable power is an important part of that.”
