A rare opportunity – PIAC submission to the NSW Government’s discussion paper: Rebuilding NSW

This submission responded to the NSW Government’s discussion paper, Rebuilding NSW (the discussion paper). The discussion paper sought stakeholder input on the NSW Government’s proposal to lease 49% of the NSW electricity networks and to use the proceeds to fund infrastructure investment. In the submission, PIAC argued that as long as the Australian Energy Regulator is able to operate effectively, electricity network costs should be similar regardless of ownership structure. PIAC recommended that the NSW Government should use a portion of the proceeds to invest in social housing. PIAC also argued that a portion of the proceeds should be directed towards programs to make energy more accessible to residential consumers. In particular, PIAC proposed increased investment in better energy concessions and energy efficiency programs.