Electricity

 

CANEGROWERS is fighting for an electricity generation and distribution system that efficiently, sustainably and affordably delivers electricity to Queenslanders and assists Members with an Electricity Tariff Selection Tool which is available for download on the Member Resources page

Competitively priced electricity promotes the growth and development of irrigated agriculture and secures jobs in regional communities.

Over the past ten years, electricity costs for farmers have risen more than 130%, threatening farm productivity and industry competitiveness.

At the same time, Ergon, Energex and Powerlink have been earning record profits and contributing $1.3 billion to the Queensland Government. CANEGROWERS commissioned a report  which revealed $47 of every $100 paid by Queensland businesses and households in network charges goes to the State Government.

CANEGROWERS is campaigning for electricity prices for irrigation to be capped at 16c/kWh (being 8c/kWh for the network and 8c/kWh for the electrons) plus associated retail charges. The CANEGROWERS Position Statements on Electricity and the the Water, Energy and Productivity nexus are available for download.

Progress is being made! Following representations from CANEGROWERS and collaboration on a trial, Ergon confirmed a control load tariff for irrigators as a base tariff. Supplies under this tariff may experience the occasional interruption but it offers significant cost benefits.

Tackling electricity sector reform is complicated and there are many different decision makers at the state and federal level with differing motivations and objectives. At every opportunity, CANEGROWERS is making submissions, appearing at hearings and putting forward the case for change.

CANEGROWERS, an active member of Queensland Farmers Federation, National Farmers Federation and the Australian Agricultural Industries Electricity Taskforce, is calling for lower and efficient electricity prices for food and fibre production.  We participated in the AER’s Customer Reference Group reviewing the Rate of Return guideline and are a member of the Australian Energy Market Operators (AEMO) NEM consultative forum

CANEGROWERS supports efforts to identify on-farm energy efficiencies as these have the potential to deliver savings to individual growers.

Energy Savers is a project of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation funded by the Queensland Department of Energy and Water Supply and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The project is producing case studies of more than 130 audits of on-farm irrigation and processing systems are being conducted throughout Queensland to assist farmers to identify suitable energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.

National Farmers Federation (NFF) has teamed up with the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) to launch a new guide for farms looking to slash their energy costs through smart energy management. 

The new ‘sector spotlight’ on farms is the latest in the EEC’s Navigating a dynamic energy landscape series, and shows how farms can cut costs, improve productivity and reduce emissions with energy efficiency, renewables and demand management. It is a great starting point for farms looking to benefit by using smart energy management. 

 

CANE FARM BUSINESSESArtboard 1TONES OF SUGAR 2