Street Lighting

The Department of Mines and Energy has committed $20 million over two years to help councils in south east Queensland meet the costs of their street lighting electricity bills in the competitive energy market.

In the past, charges for providing electricity for councils' street lights in south east Queensland did not reflect the true cost of supplying electricity.

Under the old system, ordinary householders were indirectly footing the bill for large councils' street lighting electricity charges through cross-subsidisation.  It is now a level playing field.

Street lighting customers were the only ones in south east Queensland that could not choose their electricity retailer.  They will now be able to shop around for a deal that best suits them.

Because street lighting is used at night when there is low electricity demand, it will be easier for councils in south east Queensland to get a better, more competitive deal.

Energex is undertaking a street lighting trial with some councils in the south east corner, looking at ways for councils to save energy and save money.

The new system only applies to south east Queensland councils serviced by Energex.