THE possibility of Maranoa Regional Council becoming an energy provider for the entire region long-term has “potential”, according to councillor David Schefe.

Council currently has two projects for geothermal plants to power assets like the Roma Airport on the table. They coincide with the announcement that regional electricity prices will increase by $41 per annum.

Speaking in response to the power price hike, Cr Schefe said any potential move to make council an energy provider would require further consultation with Ergon and the Local Government Infrastructure Services.

“Certainly I think there’s the opportunity,” he said.

“I have spoken with Ergon and LGIS about those projects so there’s advanced conversations between those two at a high level and they’ll get back to us by July in workshop.

“At this stage we’re only looking at our own consumption but I think that whole space is going to change.

“There is the potential (for council to be a provider). The distribution network can always be expanded and there are options attached to solar farms so there’s a lot of options there in the future.”

Cr Schefe said residents in the Maranoa deserved a choice of energy providers and said both levels of government should be working together to achieve the best outcomes.

“I’m confident they’re heading in that direction but we haven’t been privy to those thought processes and they need to be more open about it and engage with local councils about it,” he said, referring to both Ergon and the LGIS.

“There’s room for partnership between the energy provider and the local council, it’s government and government working together.”