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Key Points
- EnergyAustralia notes Energy Minister Chris Bowen today launched a safeguard mechanism reform consultation paper.
- The safeguard mechanism places a limit on the amount of greenhouse gases Australia’s largest industrial facilities can emit.
- EnergyAustralia continues to support our larger customers with ways in which they can reduce their carbon emissions.
- We also provide a range of clean energy solutions that give our customers more control over their emissions and with the potential to lower prices.
- EnergyAustralia is committed to Australia’s clean energy future and its net zero ambition.
- We are leading the energy transition by investing in a range of flexible energy projects to help bring more capacity into the market and support the volume of renewables entering the system.
- EnergyAustralia’s recent announcements include:
- investment in a 350MW, 4-hour battery at Wooreen;
- construction of Australia’s first hydrogen/gas peaking power station, Tallawarra B, with over 300MW capacity; all greenhouse gas emissions to be fully offset over its operational life;
- our storage services agreement for the 250MW Kidston pumped storage hydro project in Queensland; and
- underpinning the Darlington Point and Riverina batteries for a combined 90MW in NSW.
- EnergyAustralia is providing good supply into the system.
- Three units are online at Yallourn power station in Victoria. The fourth offline unit is expected to return to operation in the coming week.
- Mt Piper in New South Wales has both generating units in operation.
- Our gas assets at Tallawarra, Newport, Jeeralang and Hallett are operating to meet demand.
- EnergyAustralia continues to work with suppliers to ensure there is sufficient gas reserves to meet customers’ needs.
- Our team is working hard to keep pumping power into the system to support our 1.6 million customers.
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Background
Safeguard Mechanism
The Safeguard Mechanism places a limit on the amount of greenhouse gases Australia’s largest industrial facilities can emit. The Labor government today launched a consultation to reform the design of the mechanism, to meet Labor’s more ambitious climate targets.
Supporting customers
EnergyAustralia’s EnergyAssist program means the power won’t be disconnected and debt collection activities won’t be initiated. Residential customers on the program also have access to tailored payment plans, energy audits, information on grant programs and advice on energy usage.
Through Rapid Business Assist, specialist advisors can discuss ways for EnergyAustralia’s small and medium-sized business customers to lower energy consumption, the government energy relief subsidies available, and options for tailored payment schedule.
Payment assistance
- Eligible South Australians on low or fixed incomes can apply for help with the cost of energy bills for their principal place of residence. If you receive the energy concession, you could also be eligible for the SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer.
- The Victorian Government is giving a once-off $250 payment for all Victorian households that use the Victorian Energy Compare website, found at https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/psb-faq
- Queenslanders will receive a $175 Cost of Living Rebate on their next power bill. Electricity providers will automatically apply the credit, so Queenslanders don’t have to apply.
- NSW residents are eligible for Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) $50 vouchers. See Apply for Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) vouchers for more information.