Review of Queensland Government-owned electricity distributors
Electricity in Queensland
The findings of an independent review of Queensland Government-owned electricity distributors and providers were announced on 8 December 2011. An independent panel, chaired by Darryl Somerville, reviewed the capital infrastructure programs of Queensland Government-owned electricity distributors Ergon Energy and ENERGEX, and transmission provider Powerlink Queensland.
The panel was asked to examine improvements made to the Queensland electricity network since the 2004 Electricity Distribution and Service Delivery (EDSD) Review, and how appropriate the network businesses' capital programs were in achieving a balance between security, reliability and cost.
Electricity distribution review findings
The review found that the state of Queensland's distribution network has improved since the EDSD Review in 2004:
- ENERGEX and Ergon Energy now have detailed Network Management Plans (a much more detailed understanding of their network's capabilities)
- distribution network reliability has improved by 40% since the 2004 review and power outages are now significantly less frequent and shorter in duration
- peak demand trials funded by the Queensland Government place Energex and Ergon Energy at the forefront of peak demand programs nationally.
The panel identified that significant potential capital expenditure savings could be achieved, but that the Queensland Government should work with the distribution businesses to clarify the final amount of identified savings.
The panel is confident that the reliability and robustness of Queensland's electricity distribution network will not be impacted by these expenditure savings.
