Time for Minns government to get on with the job of delivering reliable, cheap and clean energy
The NSW Opposition has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minns Labor Government that it is committed to delivering the Coalition’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said that the Government has wasted nearly six months commissioning a review which tells us what we already knew.
“Our Roadmap is the right approach to ensure NSW has a successful transition to reliable, clean and affordable energy,” Mr Speakman said.
“The Government needs to get on with its job of delivering the Roadmap – and it needs to stop looking in the rear-view mirror for excuses.”
“We know the energy industry and market needs certainty to operate as effectively as possible and every day that NSW Labor sat on their Energy Check Up was another day of uncertainty.”
Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change James Griffin stressed that keeping the lights on and having affordable energy were paramount.
“What today’s report doesn’t tell us is how much consumers or taxpayers will pay if Eraring’s life is extended. Nor has the Government sufficiently outlined the need to extend Eraring and if so for how long, in light of what AEMO’s 2023 Electricity Statement of Opportunities, released 31 August, told us about reliability in NSW,” Mr Griffin said.
“Any decision to extend the life Eraring comes with consequences and what is needed from the Government now is an open and transparent process between the Government and the owners of Eraring to ensure taxpayers get the best outcome.”
Since the election of the Minns Labor Government, households across NSW have been left to fend for themselves as Labor still can’t explain what support they will be providing, how their state-owned energy corporation will function or when it will begin providing relief.
“After six months Chris Minns has finally realised that reliable, cheap and clean energy should be the focus of his Government, so it’s time the Premier stops trying to score cheap political points. NSW led the nation and we can continue to do so if the Government gets on with the job,” Mr Griffin concluded.
The Opposition will consider the NSW Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up and its recommendations in detail.
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