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Media release

ECA welcomes detail on emissions reduction plans from major parties

 

Energy Consumers Australia has welcomed further detail from both major parties about their emissions reductions plans in speeches at the Energy Networks Association’s annual conference in Adelaide this week.

Energy Consumers Australia CEO, Rosemary Sinclair, said it was encouraging that both parties were emphasising the need to place consumers at the centre of the economic transition.

“Now that Australia has signed up to binding emissions reduction targets, we’re pleased to see attention turning to how we can meet our international commitments in the smartest and most cost-effective way,” Ms Sinclair said.

“We need to work together to find a way to both meet our emissions reductions target and deliver a much more dynamic energy market for consumers.”

Ms Sinclair said the electricity sector, which accounts for one third of Australia’s emissions, will need to make an important contribution to the decarbonisation effort.

“Emissions reduction plans must address the persistent issues around energy affordability and the lack of real choice in energy services if they are to succeed,” Ms Sinclair said.

“It is vital that consumers pay no more than is necessary for the new lower-emissions generation and other infrastructure that we will need to be built in the next ten years to ensure electricity is affordable.

“Talking to people at the ENA Conference this week, there was a real enthusiasm about the role networks can play in facilitating the transition and transforming the consumer experience.

“But we need to maintain the separation between the regulated and competitive parts of the supply chain to ensure businesses looking to break into the sector can compete on a level playing field.

“ECA looks forward to working across the sector to develop and implement an integrated, national emissions reduction policy that serves the long-term interests of energy consumers.”