Australian Energy Market Commission 2016 Report Underscores Urgent need for National Strategy
Emily Wood | December 14, 2016
“The lack of a national approach to energy planning is leaving all energy users out in the cold, reducing energy security and increasing price volatility,” said Andrew Richards, Chief Executive Officer of the leading voice and advocate for large energy users, the Energy Users Association of Australia (EUAA). “The report released today by the AEMC highlights price rises across the board as a result of the departure of Hazelwood Power station and sets the scene for price volatility in 2017.” EUAA members are part of a critical network of companies spanning manufacturing, food processing, transport, energy, mining and raw material providers that benefit the Australian community. Price rises across this group have flow on effects to all users. “Without a national plan to create an orderly exit of coal, improve energy security and minimise cost to energy users we will continue to create price and supply impacts hurting our economy and creating an unworkable environment for all energy users,” added Mr Richards. Price increases for energy users have been on a rollercoster ride for a decade with the constant changes in energy and gas market comditions. The AEMC report together with AEMO’s 2016 National Gas Forecasting Report released last week that showed limited national gas supply, paints a grim picture for Australia’s energy market conditions creating a perfect storm for energy users as we head into the festive season.