Energy Transition Requires A Coordinated Approach
Emily Wood | November 3, 2016
The leading voice and advocate for large energy users, the Energy Users Association of Australia (EUAA) has called on state and federal governments to coordinate energy and climate policy in the wake of todays Hazelwood power station announcement. “To ensure the best outcome for consumers, communities and the environment we need all of our governments to be working together on shared objectives and a long-term transition plan to a less carbon intensive energy sector,” said EUAA CEO Andrew Richards. “Clearly there will be economic costs and social impacts on affected communities and energy consumers associated with the transition. One of the objectives of governments and business working together should be to minimize those costs and impacts by working collaboratively.” The impending closure of the Hazelwood coal fired power station is a sign of things to come as governments seek to change the nations energy mix and as consumers look to lower their energy bills through energy efficiency and self-generation. “While a significant amount of low cost generation will be taken out of the market with closure of Hazelwood, the actual wholesale price impact is uncertain due to the many moving parts that makes up supply and demand, so only time will tell.” AEMO have today confirmed that reliability of the system should not be affected by the closure of Hazelwood although the supply and demand balance will be tighter during summer. “We clearly need to keep a close watch on this to ensure a reliable supply of electricity is assured.”