The Hodgman Liberal Government welcomes the Energy Security Taskforce Report released today.
When it comes to Tasmania's electricity supply the report confirms that Tasmania’s energy security position is very sound with high water storages, a fully-operational Basslink and the TVPS available to run as and when required.
The report makes a number of important recommendations including that Tasmania adopts an energy security framework that reflects the successful and practical Energy Supply Plan the Government implemented during the energy challenges experienced last year and that was opposed by Labor.
The Government supports or provides in-principle support for all 36 of the recommendations contained in the report.
A number of the key recommendations have either already been implemented or are at an advanced stage of implementation consistent with the timeline set out in the report.
The Government will continue with the work necessary to fully implement all recommendations as soon as possible.
The Government and Hydro Tasmania have already restored the prudent water storage levels back to the levels they were prior to being cut under the Labor Green Government to chase profits from the carbon tax. Dam storage levels are currently at 39 per cent which is significantly above the prudent management level for this time of year.
The Government has also taken significant steps towards Tasmania becoming 100% renewable energy self reliant. Recently we have seen the announcement of more than $600m of new wind farm development. These developments alone will deliver approximately 800GWh per annum of the 700-1000GWh of further on island renewable generation recommended by the taskforce.
On the issue of gas the report acknowledges the importance of securing a fair outcome on gas transportation in order to provide greater certainty for Tasmanian gas users. Following the finalisation of the report there have been a number of significant developments on gas which have provided greater certainty for gas users. In particular, the Tasmanian Government has successfully secured the early implementation of a new national arbitration framework that will ensure gas transportation certainty from January 2018 onwards.
In combination the Tasmanian Government's actions have helped ensure that Tasmania’s energy security position continues to be very sound, especially when compared to the significant uncertainty being experienced in the national market. In addition, the Government’s direct actions have ensured that Tasmanian electricity prices continue to be amongst the lowest in the country.
The recommendations are divided into five priority action areas:
I would like to thank taskforce members Geoff Willis, Sybille Krieger and Tony Concannon and the taskforce team for their comprehensive and diligent work in providing practical recommendations that will help ensure Tasmania's energy security for the future.
The report is available at www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/tasmanian_energy_security_taskforce/final_report