Power Blackouts threat – Iemma Govt makes it worse
Wednesday, 25 October 2006 21:23
“The cheapest and most environmentally responsible way out of the morass is by a comprehensive energy conservation program, not more expensive power generation. It is simply ludicrous to build more power plants so they can be used for a few days a year. The Iemma government needs to reverse two recent decisions and announce new reforms, to fix the problem,” said Jeff Angel, Director, Total Environment Centre.
“We estimate over 5,000MW of peak power can be produced by a combination of low emission generation and energy conservation – more than enough to deal with any problems over the next 15 years. However the government does not have a coherent policy.”
“Last year it refused to apply stricter energy reduction targets to apartments, which are energy guzzlers and almost always feature air conditioning. While every other new residential building has to meet the 40% target, high rise does not. The Iemma government caved into the lobbying by big developers.”
“Last night in State Parliament the government rushed through changes to the greenhouse gas abatement scheme without a new target for reduction in climate change gases. This means there will be fewer funds to invest in energy conservation and renewable energy generation and the government won’t be able to meet its greenhouse targets.”
“New programs should also be urgently announced, including:
- Extension of the Energy Saving Funds which are due to expire in 2010-11, when the energy shortages are predicted;
- Imposition of a levy on air conditioners and a requirement to install solar rooftop energy with new air con (solar power generation occurs at the same time as maximum air con use);
- Adopting a state energy conservation target to limit demand growth to less than 1% per year and zero growth after 2010, and lobby the Ministerial Council of Energy for a national energy efficiency target;
- A 25% mandatory renewable energy target for 2020;
- Roll out smart meters that allow people to vary their consumption when prices are highest (ie at the peak).”
“These programs are practical and will help people avoid high energy prices and secure our energy and environmental future,” Mr Angel said.
