COAG Energy Council Must Take Control

Emily Wood | August 18, 2016

The Energy Users Association of Australia have today called on the COAG Energy Council to take control of the transition to a lower carbon energy sector and to protect energy users from escalating energy costs. The EUAA is the peak industry body representing the interest of large energy consumers in Australia who are becoming increasingly concerned by the lack of competition in energy markets and an inconsistent approach to policy and regulatory reform. “Energy is a critical input into the businesses we represent. Our members value it and are prepared to pay fair and reasonable rates for it,” said EUAA CEO Andrew Richards. “Our members also recognize the need for governments to take action on climate change and are prepared to play their part. Unfortunately, history shows that consumers have constantly been stuck with the increased costs that come from either poor decisions made by others or from unintended consequences of conflicting policy and regulation.” In an increasingly competitive international market it is difficult to pass on these rapidly escalating costs making business less competitive, less profitable and less able to invest in new technology that improves efficiency and reduces emissions. “We are encouraged by the desire of the COAG Energy Council to cooperate on emissions reductions and energy policy. Our members operate across the national energy market so clear integrated energy and climate change policy is welcomed.” “We are hopeful that the COAG Energy Council will also recognise the need to deliver fairer outcomes for energy users. Unfortunately, many feel let down by policy makers and regulators so their belief in markets evolving to deliver better value or governments ability to affect positive change is at an all-time low.” “Hopefully we will see a strong message emerge from the meeting on Friday that energy markets are here to serve customers and we hope that helps to bring about something of a culture change within the energy industry.”

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