Liberal Nationals will scrap Victorian Renewable Energy Target

Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy

Background
In the past 10 years, Victorian electricity prices have increased 117%.
As of 1 January 2017, Victorian household electricity prices have risen by around 10%, while small businesses are facing a 7.9 to 16.6% increase.
Victoria has historically been a net exporter of electricity. Once Hazelwood cease generation in March 2017, Victoria will be required to buy electricity from New South Wales and Tasmania.
In 2015-16, through exports, Victoria provided:
·         14% of South Australia’s operational consumption.
·         6% of New South Wales’ operational consumption.
·         6% of Tasmania’s operational consumption.
The 1,600 MW Hazelwood Power Station accounts for about:
·         14% of total firm capacity in Victoria,
·         12% of the combined firm capacity across Victoria and South Australia, and
·         4% of the total firm capacity installed in the NEM.
“After Hazelwood Power Station retires in March 2017, expected firm capacity reserves in Victoria are projected to reduce to -145MW in summer 2017-18 at times of peak demand. Imports from New South Wales or Tasmania will be required to meet demand under these conditions.
Given that temperature conditions in Victoria and South Australia tend to be correlated, it is unlikely that supply from South Australia could be relied upon to support Victoria during high demand periods.” – AEMO

Quotes attributable to State Liberal Leader Matthew Guy
“Daniel Andrews has set Victoria on the path to an energy security crisis.
“Unless we act, Victoria is bound to have regular South Australian-style blackouts because of Daniel Andrews.
“A Liberal Nationals Government I lead will scrap this unrealistic target so Victorians don’t have repeated black-outs and higher electricity prices.”

Media contact: James Duncan   0457 758 018    james.duncan@opposition.vic.gov.au