The states have been forced to act alone on renewable energy after the federal government effectively vacated the policy space. But if not managed carefully, the strategy may backfire.
The rules governing Australia’s electricity market are more than 20 years old and no longer serve consumers, or climate action. But big energy companies are using COVID-19 to delay reform.
The likelihood of half of Victoria being plunged into blackout are low – but the question reveals growing tension between the energy market and its regulators.
In the absence of federal policy, states are pursing their own renewable targets.
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State renewable energy targets have been driving energy investment in Australia. ‘Where and when’ the generation and transmission build occurs varies substantially under a national approach.
Demand response sounds good, but is punishingly difficult to execute.
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Summer is here and the chance of blackouts is higher than normal. But the cause is unlikely to be the power station. The problem is usually much closer to home – in the local poles and wires.
Consumers who used comparison sites typically paid 5-12% more than the lowest possible offer.
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The federal government is primarily to blame for the mess that is Australia’s energy policy. It’s time for the states to step up, to reduce both prices and emissions.
Australia needs to think about the energy grid of the future.
DAVID MARIUZ/AAP
Sections of the media have talked up the prospects of future power outages, even though the electricity market operator predicts that Australia’s stringent reliability standards will still be met.
The Loy Yang power station ‘tripped’ early in the year, triggering fears of a summer of blackouts.
DAVID CROSLING/AAP
The Long Read: Most Australians’ power bills have been rising for a decade. There are many reasons why, but the common thread is a lack of government willingness to get to grips with crucial policy problems.