Qld seniors could lose power rebate

Thousands of elderly Queenslanders could miss out on electricity rebates if the state government adopts recommendations to cut power prices.

The Queensland Productivity Commission on Wednesday released its Electricity Pricing Inquiry Draft Report, which made 54 recommendations to the government about ways it can put downward pressure on the state's power prices.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the government would immediately rule out several recommendations that conflicted with election commitments.

But he said the government remained open to the commission's suggestion that an annual rebate of $320.97 be taken away from Queensland Seniors Card holders - a move that would affect about 106,000 households.

The commission argued the card wasn't means tested, meaning anyone over 65, regardless of their income or need, could access the rebate.

People with a Pension Concession Card or Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card would remain eligible.

The report recommended Health Care Card holders should instead receive the rebate, which would help about 155,000 of the state's lowest-income households.

"It seems from the surface that there are more people who would benefit from what the report is recommending than we currently have getting concessions," Mr Pitt said.

"We will obviously be looking at that recommendation to see if there is actually any net benefit to the people who should be receiving the concessions, so we're going to take that one into consideration."

The commission estimated electricity prices would fall by an average of 13 per cent over the next 20 years if the government did nothing.

However, it also said modelling showed an average price increase of 0.5 per cent for households and 0.3 per cent for industry until 2034/35 if the state government stuck to its 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030.

It recommended the government consider the merits of a national approach instead of "going it alone".

But Mr Pitt said the government would stick to its target and double-check the commission's modelling.

The treasurer said the government also rejected a recommendation to wind back the Solar Bonus Scheme, which pays eligible customers with a 44c feed-in tariff until 2028.

"People have signed up to the 44c feed-in tariff in good faith ... (and) we're not going to be moving the goal posts," he said.

Opposition energy spokesman Andrew Powell said the government would ensure power bills went up by not adopting the advice.

"What we've seen ... is a report that tells Labor the plans they do have are duds; they need to come up with a new plan," Mr Powell said.

The commission's final report is to be handed down by May 31.