Energy Users Call on All Parties to Work Together to Resolve Issues at Mount Piper Power Station
Emily Wood | September 28, 2017
The Energy Users’ Association of Australia (EUAA) is alarmed at reports that the 1400MW Mount Piper power station is at risk of closure and calls on all parties involved in the dispute to work actively and cooperatively to find a solution.
“Energy users have experienced unprecedented price rises in energy bills in recent times. Further pressure from another power station closure, particularly if it is at short notice, will add yet more cost to already high prices,” said EUAA Chairman, Brian Morris.
Reports of the risk that the Mount Piper power station may close have circulated after a court ruled the Springvale mine that supplies coal to the station was operating outside the law.
“With the National Energy Market under pressure with tight supply heading into the summer peak we would hope all parties could work proactively to resolve this situation as quickly as possible,” added Mr Morris.
The EUAA is aware the that as a result of the uncertainty around the power station, Mt Piper’s owner, Energy Australia, is not offering medium or long-term contracts to industrial and commercial customers in NSW.
Mr Morris said large users were typically the first to have their supply cut back (i.e. load shedding) during an energy shortage. EUAA members include large businesses responsible for making and producing every-day essentials including food, packaging and medical supplies.
“Uncertainty about Mt Piper is already having an impact on electricity markets and industrial and commercial businesses across the state are wearing the cost as wholesale contract prices rise,” said EUAA Chairman Brian
Mt Piper has a total generation capacity of 1400 megawatts (MW), enough energy to supply up to 15 per cent of the state’s electricity demand.
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Media Contact: Emily Wood 0421 042 121
