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Qld electricity prices may rise almost 14pc

Posted December 2, 2008 13:48:00

Electricity prices could rise by almost 14 per cent from July next year, in the third increase in as many years.

The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) has recommended the increase in a draft report.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg has told Parliament it is an extra expense Queenslanders can ill-afford.

"This is 14 per cent on top of the 17 per cent that Queensland battlers have already had," he said.

Energy Minister Geoff Wilson has told Parliament it is a suggested price hike that will now be reviewed.

"We'll stand by the battlers because we'll hold the Queensland Competition Authority to account," he said.

"I have directed my department to closely scrutinise that decision to ensure that that proposal by the Queensland Competition Authority provides nothing other than for the genuine increases in prices for electricity over the last 12 months."

Mr Wilson has also announced a no interest loans scheme to help low income families hit by last month's storms to buy new whitegoods.

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