Hazelwood & gas ban caused price hikes

REPORTS from the Grattan Institute confirmed the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station and Victoria’s onshore gas ban are key drivers of skyrocketing energy bills across our State.

In its report, the Grattan Institute identified that Hazelwood’s March 2017 “closure reduced supply and pushed prices up”.

Hazelwood’s closure has also limited wholesale competition, allowing remaining generators to “game” the market and force up prices even more.

Furthermore, the Grattan Institute called for a lifting of Victoria’s “current moratoria on gas exploration and instead considering gas development projects on a case-by-case basis”.

Under Labor, Victorian’s are paying $300 more for electricity, $500 more for gas with no end to the price pain in sight.

Only the Liberal Nationals have a plan to allow onshore gas exploration while maintaining the ban on fracking.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources, David Southwick:

“When Daniel Andrews forced the closure of Hazelwood, 22% of Victoria’s energy supply was ripped out of the market, wholesale electricity prices rose by 85% and household electricity bills have jumped by $300.

“Under Labor, Victorians are paying up to $500 more for gas, stretching household budgets to breaking point and forcing vulnerable Victorian’s to do without heating this winter because they can no longer afford it.

“Only a Matthew Guy Government will overturn Labor’s onshore gas ban, boosting Victoria’s gas supply and easing cost of living pressures.”

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