hazelwood closure is dumped & will stay open

This deserved its own thread.
Thanks Lynne for bringing it to our attention.



http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/10/3212979.htm?section=justin



"Govt calls off talks on Hazelwood closure
Updated 26 minutes ago

Labor wanted to close two units at Hazelwood. (International Power Hazelwood)

Morwell 3840 The Coalition Government has dumped a Labor plan to close down two units at the Hazelwood power station.

Hazelwood is one of the dirtiest power stations in Australia and produces 23 per cent of Victoria's energy needs.

The former Labor government has promised to pay for the early closure of two units at the power station.

But Energy Minister Michael O'Brien says the plan was "uncosted and unfunded."

He says families are already feeling the impact of the former government's "failed" renewable energy and smart meter policies through higher electricity costs.

"With the uncertainty and cost pressures from the Gillard Government's proposed carbon tax, Victorians cannot be expected to also fund hundreds of millions of dollars to bring forward the retirement of two units at Hazelwood," he said in a statement.

"Nor did the former Labor government appropriate $1 to fund its proposal: this was Labor's Hazelwood hoax."

And Mr O'Brien says there was no plan to replace the electricity...."


(Continued at the link above)