Energy frustration is mounting
QENERGY and its Proserpine customers agree on one thing - the Queensland Government's Ergon non-reversion policy stinks.
The non-reversion policy prevents any premises which leaves Ergon from returning, regardless of any future ownership changes.
Chris Pilgrim (Pacman and Sons), Michael Horsford (Archers Soft Drinks) and Cathy Thomson (AMAC Hair Design) spoke out about having no other choice of electricity retailer other than QEnergy in Proserpine.
A QEnergy spokesperson said the company didn't support the policy.
"We understand the frustration at the fact that once a customer leaves Ergon Energy Retail you are prohibited by law from returning to them,” the spokesperson said.
"QEnergy has unsuccessfully asked the government to change this policy across several years and successive administrations.”
Pacman and Sons owner Chris Pilgrim said the policy failed to create competition in the area.
"If a government put this policy in to generate competition, why does every other retailer I call tell me: 'Sorry it's an Ergon area I can't help you?',” he said.
A spokesperson for Energy Minister Mark Bailey said the government would consider the future of the policy as part of future energy reforms.
LNP Deputy Leader Deb Frecklington said the lack of electricity retailer competition in regional Queensland was "unfair” during her recent visit to the region.