The Queensland government has denied its two state-owned electricity generators are price gouging, saying bids on the market are merely covering costs.
The Queensland government can intervene to shield households and businesses from bill shock and ensure small electricity retailers stay afloat, an analyst says.
Electricity bills will rise across Queensland with analysts saying residents are being punished for the state's slow transition to renewables.
Queensland households will receive a rebate on their power bills as the premier admits surging electricity costs are forcing people to make "difficult choices".
Households and businesses are set to pay more for their electricity, but the energy market regulator is urging people to shop around for the best deal.
The Queensland government will offer $175 power bill rebates after the regulator forecast a jump of more than 11 per cent in electricity prices.
Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni says the government has no plans to close any of the state's eight coal-fired power stations.
Activists say Queensland would fail to achieve net zero by 2050 if all proposed coal projects were approved, unless other businesses picked up the slack.
A Senate inquiry has heard the cattle industry and traditional owners cannot co-exist with gas fracking companies in the Northern Territory's Beetaloo Basin.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy (general)
global warming
politics (general)
