ELECTRIC SHOCK FOR QUEENSLAND BUSINESSES

Business customers to see electricity bills soar by 13.29% ornearly $3,000 for a large user

Businesses could save 20% or up to $5,000 each[1] by switching to a new cheaper retailer

New energy rates will cost Queensland businesses a combined $60M[2] this financial year

Over 50,000 Queensland businesses to be severely affected

From today all Queensland businesses will see a dramatic price hike in their electricity bills. The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) has imposed a 13.29% increase in electricity costs, which will take effect from July 1.

Research by MakeItCheaper.com.au, the independent business energy price comparison service, shows that small and medium sized businesses in South East Queensland are going to be hardest hit.

The local corner shop’s bill will soar by around $320. A restaurant or cafe that relies even more heavily on its power supply is likely to suffer a crippling increase of close to $1,200 per year.

“These big bills could destroy businesses throughout Queensland,” warned Tim Wolfenden, CEO of MakeItCheaper.com.au.

“However, smart business owners can easily avoid such crippling bills by switching to a new supplier that will give them a much better deal,” he explained.

There are eleven energy retailers in Queensland and since full retail competition was introduced in 2007 the customer is in a very strong negotiating position.

“Many business owners don’t even realise they can change their energy provider. No-one’s locked into a contract they can’t get out of, and any penalties for breaking a contract are quickly recouped when ongoing costs are slashed.”

“Loyalty doesn’t always pay,” advises Wolfenden. “In fact, it could end up costing you your business in the long run.”

Businesses across South East Queensland can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in a matter of minutes by switching their energy supplier today.

Common Electricity Supplier Myths Busted

It's too hard to switch: Switching supplier is easy - it only take a few minutes to complete the paper work, which can all be done over the phone

My power will get cut off: Switching is seamless - your electricity supply will not be affected. The only difference will be the supplier's name at the top of the bill, and the price you pay

There's no saving to be made: There are nine electricity suppliers operating in Queensland - all of these are vying for your business, offering cheaper rates to beat the old traditional suppliers

How to switch with Make It Cheaper:

Call Make It Cheaper on 1300 95 77 21 and we'll search the entire market for a cheaper deal

Fax your most recently electricity bill directly to Make It Cheaper (including your contact details) on 02 9423 4648. We'll search the entire market and call you back with a cheaper deal

About www.makeitcheaper.com.au

Make It Cheaper is Australia's first dedicated business price comparison service. Acting as an independent energy broker, Make It Cheaper is helping Australian businesses make their electricity and gas bills cheaper, by offering a free and independent comparison and switching service.

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Notes to Editors:

Table referencing estimated individual savings for small, medium and large businesses in Queensland

Bill sizes based on a small user, consuming 10,000 kWh per annum, medium (average) user consuming 40,000 kWh, and a large user consuming 100,000 kWh, with the average cost taken from the three dominant tariffs in Queensland of Tariff, 20, Tariff 21 and Tariff 22