NSW Electricity Check Up Sets Out Practical Actions To Meet Transition Goals With A Consumer Focus
Emily Wood | September 6, 2023
The NSW government response to the Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up conducted by highly respected energy expert Cameron O’Reilly, provides a welcome review of the current state of the energy transition in the state, highlighting the challenges but also the opportunities to improve outcomes for consumers, said leading advocate for large commercial and industrial (C&I) energy users, the Energy Users’ Association of Australia (EUAA).
“The EUAA congratulates the NSW government for conducting the Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up and welcomes the focus on improving outcomes for consumers with a whole of government response to the energy transition,’ said EUAA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Richards.
The energy transition has put us in unchartered territory as we re-build our energy system – it has been described as ‘building the plane while we are flying it’. If that wasn’t challenge enough, we are encountering extreme headwinds due to local and global constraints.
“Given the challenging environment we are in, a willingness to ask an independent expert to take stock of the situation and provide practical and pragmatic recommendations is in the best interests of consumers, communities and the energy industry itself.”
The NSW government response shows an awareness of the scale of the transition will require an evolving and flexible response. While we are very supportive of the check up and NSW government response we will look closely at the recommendations over the coming weeks with a view to ensuring they maximise consumer outcomes.
“We are pleased to see the NSW government outline its new approach to make the electricity system transition a strategic whole of government priority to ensure reliable and affordable energy supply is maintained,” said Mr Richards.
“We also note the recognition of greater and increasing collaboration, resourcing, flexibility and adaptability.”
Achieving net zero means we need to rebuild our entire energy system and solve a range of challenges we have not encountered before. The recently released AEMO Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) showed the task of building a renewable energy system is complex and with the rest of the world aiming to decarbonise their energy system at the same time, supply chain and materials constraints, shortage of skilled workers, community social licence and slow approvals processes are some of the issues in the spotlight.
“Focusing our efforts on resolving key issues that are preventing us from getting to net zero is the quickest way to deliver the transition at least cost. We cannot short cut our way there. ”
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The EUAA is the peak body representing Australian industrial and commercial energy users. EUAA membership covers a broad cross section of the Australian economy including significant retail, manufacturing and materials processing industries. Combined EUAA members employ over one million Australians, pay annual energy bills in the many billions of dollars and support the development of a lasting national energy and climate change plan that puts downward pressure on electricity and gas costs.
Media Contact: Emily Wood 0421 042 121
