Member for Light, Mr Tony Piccolo has said the State Labor Government’s bold energy plan will put South Australians in charge of their energy needs.
Mr Piccolo said the action plan was the most comprehensive since the late Sir Thomas Playford nationalised the energy Market in 1946 to underpin the industrialisation of the state and boost jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“This plan will deliver a secure, clean, reliable and affordable source of energy for South Australians.”The well-tuned $550 million plan will ensure more of the State’s power is sourced, generated and controlled in South Australia.
“The plan will increase the security of supply, boost competition and place downward pressure on prices,” Mr Piccolo said.
Mr Piccolo said the State Government has listened to the community, and in particular, the small business sector about the importance of having reliable and affordable power.The innovative plan has the following key elements:
Australia’s largest battery will be built in South Australia to store renewable energy and add stability to supply as part of a new $150 million Renewable Technology Fund.The South Australian Government will: Build its own gas power plant to have government-owned stand-by power available in South Australia for emergencies;
Legislate to give the Energy Minister direction over the Market so that South Australia’s best interests always come first if there is an electricity shortfall;
Use its bulk-buying power to attract new electricity generation to increase competition and put downward pressure on prices;
Offer incentives to source more gas for use in South Australia replacing coal-fired energy from Victoria.
A new Energy Security Target will increase South Australia’s energy self-reliance by requiring more locally generated, cleaner, secure energy to be used in South Australia.
Mr Piccolo said that when the Liberals privatised the energy Market it left South Australians at the mercy of the free Market dominated by overseas financial interests.“This plan puts South Australians back in charge and will assure small business of a reliable, clean secure supply of power so they can confidently invest in our state and grow the jobs we need.”
“The plan maintains our renewable energy targets without compromising the need for a reliable and secure power source.
”Mr Piccolo said that he expects the plan to be well received by small businesses in his electorate and will generate new investment in both gas exploration and renewable energy.
More details about the plan can be found at www.ourenergyplan.sa.gov.au