Funding Annoucement Highlights Energy Policy Vacuum
Emily Wood | February 26, 2019
The peak body representing large commercial and industrial energy users, the Energy Users’ Association of Australia (EUAA), today said the Federal Government’s announcement to increase funding for climate change related activities highlights the lack of long-term energy and climate change policy.
“Yesterday’s announcement by the Federal Government to increase funding to improve Australia’s response to climate change highlights the policy vacuum that exists in Australia. If this isn’t addressed it will only cause energy costs to increase,” said EUAA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Richards.
“Only long-term policy that focusses on supporting market-based outcomes will bring our emissions down over time, put downward pressure on energy prices and support a smoother transition in our energy markets.”
EUAA members are actively engaged in reducing their energy use, pursuing new energy sources and building a sustainable business model that will put downward pressure on prices for their customers – the Australian community. What they need is enduring energy policy that supports these efforts and provides the right investment conditions for Australia’s energy future.
“Funding can play an important role in supporting policy and regulation but it isn’t the main game. We look forward to further policy announcements from the Federal Government that delivers a wholistic response,” said Mr Richards.
The EUAA is the peak national body representing major Australian electricity and gas users. Membership covers a broad cross-section of the Australian economy including significant retail, mining, manufacturing, healthcare, raw materials and food processing industries producing many essential items used by the Australian community every day.
Combined, EUAA members employ over 1 million Australians, pay billions in energy bills every year and are desperate to see a national energy and climate change plan that puts downward pressure on electricity and gas costs.
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Media Contact: Emily Wood 0421 042 121
