Need to avoid potholes on the road to less carbon intensive energy.
Emily Wood | August 11, 2016
The leading voice and advocate for large energy users, the Energy Users Association of Australia, has welcomed the release today of the annual Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) by the Australian Energy Market Operator. Importantly the ESOO has recognized the need for a more strategic approach to the transition of Australia’s energy system. This transition is occurring as the nation moves to a less carbon intensive and increasingly distributed generation system. “The transition of the Australian electricity sector has been gathering pace over the last 10 years,” said EUAA CEO Andrew Richards. “There have been a few potholes in the road so far. To avoid the worst of these in the future it is vital that governments and regulatory bodies get ahead of these changes to ensure the optimal solutions are implemented and energy consumers don’t over-pay.” “The EUAA have been calling for a more strategic approach for some time now as this transition is not showing signs of slowing down.” The EUAA expects that recent high price events in South Australia serve as a key learning experience for all stakeholders and are encouraged that the ESOO recognizes some of the issues. “The entire electricity industry needs to deal with the reality of this transition so that we can avoid a repeat of the extreme price events we have seen recently in South Australia.” “A rational discussion of all the issues is required; only then can practical solutions be implemented that deliver energy security, reduced emissions and value for money for all energy users.”