Greenhouse and energy efficiency tests for NSW privatisation

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 01:27

“Announcements by the Premier Iemma about major new initiatives on energy efficiency and renewable energy are on the right track, but will need to be carefully checked, along with effective implementation procedures,” said Jeff Angel, Executive Director of TEC.

“It’s essential that privatisation does not encourage more coal power or further unabated growth in electricity consumption.  These two factors are responsible for our spiralling greenhouse gas emissions, leading to the double whammy of environmental damage and unnecessary investment in new infrastructure, resulting in rising prices.”

“We need an electricity industry that is working with climate change policies.  We would also require iron clad commitments from government to not give the new private owners indemnity against state environmental regulation or future carbon costs, or special favours with the new national emissions trading scheme.”