Key consumer group attacks Sydney's crazy electricity expansion plans

Thursday, 23 March 2000 10:00

 The proposal, put forward by Transgrid and Energy Australia, will increase greenhouse pollution by 1 million tonnes per annum (equivalent to the emission of 167,000 cars). It was criticised by Lynette Thorstensen from the Australian Consumers Association and Cathy Zoi, former head of SEDA.

Lynette Thorstensen, giving evidence for the Australian Consumer's Association said, "We've been hearing for some years now about new energy technologies like solar and wind and about potential energy savings from improved energy efficiency and reduced energy bills. Well, consumers have a right to start asking when? When will the electricity utilities start delivering these technologies?"

The senate committee heard that the CBD augmentation proposal is an example of how the fossil fuel industry is dragging its heels. "Alternative technologies are fully developed and cost effective, yet the conservative electricity industry continues to overlook them in favour of traditional polluting technology" Ms Thorstensen said.

"Improved energy efficiency and new generating technologies could easily displace the need for more cables and coal fired power into Sydney's CBD, but Transgrid and Energy Australia have rejected these options".

"New technologies are available, and yet the electricity utilities are denying customers and energy users the right to choose."