The South Australian Business Chamber welcomes the decision by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to include affordability of power pricing in the independent review of Australia’s energy market announced today.
“On behalf of members, the South Australian Business Chamber has been a strong advocate for an independent review that examines the factors behind the high wholesale prices of electricity in South Australia which has been having such a negative impact on businesses in the State,” Executive Director, Industry and Government Engagement, Anthony Penney, said today.
“The South Australian Business Chamber is delighted to see that ‘affordability’ has been included as one of the factors that the Commonwealth Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, will consider in his review along with security and reliability of electricity supply,” Mr Penney said.
“The independent review represents an important move forward to identify and asses all options in transitioning Australia’s electricity market to a low carbon future which protects the long term interests of consumers with respect to price and reliability.
“In doing so, the opportunity exists to draw in the best international expertise to offer different perspectives to ensure Australia follows world’s best practice.”
“The South Australian Business Chamber is also encouraged to see that the COAG energy ministers have called for a preliminary report by the COAG Leaders meeting in December and a final report early in the New Year.
“The factors behind South Australia’s high wholesale electricity prices – double those of Victoria – must be explored and determined quickly if we are to achieve a truly national energy market that takes the heat out of power prices and restores the competitiveness of businesses in this State.
“The COAG review is also an opportunity to highlight the need to align Australia’s energy and climate change policies.
“We cannot continue on a path of each State and the Federal Government running separate climate and energy policies which ultimately costs consumers, particularly South Australian electricity consumers who face the highest electricity prices in the nation.”
Media Contact
Sonia Bavistock
Media & Communications Executive
0477 006 475
soniab@business-sa.com
