ENERGY
T he sheer size of Queensland - at 1,852,642 square kilometres it is larger than Alaska but with six times the population – presents a big administration challenge , not least when it comes to energy provision . It is well known internationally for its tourism , surfing and the Great Barrier Reef but is currently coming to the centre of global attention as its capital Brisbane prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2018 .
It ’ s known as the ‘ Sunshine
State ’ for its beach culture , but that name is highly apposite as the world moves , largely unpreparedly , from fossil fuel reliance to a more renewable mix . Queensland gets a great deal of sun and has the highest average maximums of any Australian state . Ergon Energy , owned by the Queensland government , both distributes and sells electricity to Queenslanders at prices regulated by the State . Distribution is over a network of some 160,000 kilometres of powerlines supported by a million poles and pylons . It also owns and
www . ergon . com . au 133