Over 1 million Victorians risk being left in the dark this summer because Daniel Andrews and Labor have failed to ensure that Victoria has energy security.
The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Electricity Statement focuses on Victoria being the only state that is likely to exceed the reliability standards set by the Operator, meaning Victorians should expect to experience blackouts this summer.
With units at both Loy Yang A power station and the Mortlake gas-fired plant being offline, combined with Labor forcing the closure of Hazelwood, Victoria’s electricity supply on hot days is at significant risk of failing.
The report predicts that the Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader (RERT) will also be activated. When the RERT was activated last summer it added $83 million to the electricity bills of Victorians.
AEMO goes on to say that up to 1.3 million households should expect to be without power as the days get hotter in coming months.
Victorians should also not expect the situation to get much better in the near future with AEMO’s 5-10 year forecasts confirming that electricity supply for Victoria remains vulnerable.
It is clear that under Daniel Andrews, as the weather gets hotter, it will only be a matter of time before the lights go out.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables, Ryan Smith:
“Under Daniel Andrews and Labor, Victorians are being forced to pay more for less reliable electricity.
This report is a damning read and is an indictment on the Andrews Labor Government failed energy policies.
Cutting through all the spin and the desperate attempts to blame someone else, it is clear that Labor has dropped the ball when it comes to ensuring Victorian businesses and households can keep the lights on.”