New Energy Minister Guy Barnett has today outlined his "Tasmania-first" vision for energy.
"Under my watch, our energy policy will be Tasmania-first", Mr Barnett said.
"This means secure supply for Tasmania, and the lowest possible electricity prices for Tasmanians will be my number one priority.
"Following the energy crisis, our energy supply is now the most secure in the nation, with storage reaching 47.5 percent this week, the highest level since December 2013.
"But I know that many people are worried that the errors of the former Labor-Green Government in draining our dams in order to make money from the carbon tax by exporting energy to the mainland, could be repeated.
"I understand this concern, and I want to make sure it never happens again.
"We will continue to pursue increases to our energy capacity, including the Battery of the Nation – firstly to ensure a secure, cheap and reliable supply for Tasmania, and secondly to deliver a return on any excess energy. However, the needs of Tasmanians will always come first.
"Tasmanians deserve to have the lowest possible power prices, and this must always come ahead of higher dividends, or the needs of the mainland."
Mr Barnett said that while he was still being briefed and working through the many complexities of the energy portfolio, he hoped to be able to make concrete announcements supporting the new "Tasmania-first" approach in coming months.