Consumers are warned of power grid instability as coal generators reach the end of their life.
The Herald Sun had a different view.Energy sector reform critical
More choice needed
TAMSIN ROSE
Pasted as story behind firewall.AUSTRALIA’S gas and electricity supplies are in a critical state and the energy sector must be reformed, according to a new report.
The National Electricity Market document released on Tuesday also argued Australians needed more energy choices, including being able to install more efficient appliances and to invest in their own power generation, such as solar panels.
Bill shock was also a serious concern, despite falling prices across much of the sector.
Energy Security Board chair Kerry Schott said the market had to be modernised to create a two-sided system.
“We are focused on modernising the market, unlocking value for consumers and boosting consumer protection, removing red tape and making it easier for businesses to get in and offer the services customers may want to buy,” Dr Schott said.
“What we have in place now is no longer fit for purpose for the energy transition and beyond. The time to tackle these problems is now.”
The report said progress had been made generation capacity, emissions reduction, competition and network investment, while work was still needed to improve stability.
It said blackouts could be more likely if dispatchable coal-fired power stations were too quickly replaced with cheaper, variable renewables, sparking concern for the security of power supply.
The report also said investor confidence was lacking.
Dr Schott said reform was urgently needed to deal with the “repercussions of rapid change”.
“We are concerned about security constraints in some parts of the NEM and the increasing pressure on distribution networks from growing rooftop solar penetration,” she said.
“This, combined with growing large scale renewable generation and low wholesale prices, means it is vital that post 2025, reforms are put in place that can work alongside government policy schemes.”
Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor said the findings would help governments work together to develop a reliable system that did not depend on older power stations that were being decommissioned.
Love the quote:“We are focused on modernising the market, unlocking value for consumers and boosting consumer protection, removing red tape and making it easier for businesses to get in and offer the services customers may want to buy,” Dr Schott said.
Classic bulltish public service speak.
Creating an illusion that they are doing something "modernising the market",
"unlocking value for consumers" - bah humbug.
