Energy and water
Media and commentary related to our work to protect and advance consumer protections for essential services, and accelerate a just transition to net zero.
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Australia’s natural gas price remains high as it becomes biggest LNG exporter
Australia is on track to become one of the world’s biggest exporters of liquid natural gas – thanks to an increase in production and an abundance of the natural resource. But that huge focus on the global market has come at a cost to Australia’s domestic consumers – who pay some of the highest prices…
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Power prices: Australia has a gold-plated electricity grid that consumers can’t afford
The Australian energy system stands as a monument to vested interests. Key points: The majority of a grid owners’ income is guaranteed by the regulators’ valuation of the network The Australian network is valued at $US75b, compared to the entire US network valued at $US100b When the grids’ earnings fall, prices can go up to…
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Electricity reform welcome: consumers need to retain a strong voice in electricity price-setting
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) has welcomed the Australian Government’s proposed reforms to reduce electricity bills, and emphasised the importance of consumers retaining a seat at the table in electricity network price determinations. ‘For too long Network businesses have undermined the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) regulatory process through the limited merits review system. PIAC…
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Craig Memery on power price hike
PIAC’s EWCAP Team Leader, Craig Memery, explains why electricity prices are rising.
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No time to waste: act on Finkel to reduce electricity prices
Electricity price rises approaching 20% highlight the urgent need for the Commonwealth to support the recommendations of the Finkel review, in order to stave-off further hikes that have the potential to devastate disadvantaged households. Craig Memery, Team Leader at PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program, said that the energy retail price increases would cause…
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Finkel review: mixed news for consumers
The highly anticipated Finkel review into the security of the national electricity market is a mixed bag for consumers, with price-reducing and security-enhancing initiatives tempered by some ideas that appear short-sighted and will cost consumers more, according to Craig Memery, Team Leader at PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program. ‘While the recommendations of today’s…
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Ausgrid spent $75m on an unnecessary Sydney CBD property
‘Anyone passing Bligh Street or O’Connell streets in the heart of the Sydney CBD can see an example of how energy users are arguably being made to pay too much for power networks. ‘A huge vacant lot running between the two streets was purchased by Ausgrid (then called Energy Australia) back in 2009 for $75…