NEO reform to keep costs down for consumers

In a submission in response to the consultation on incorporating an emissions reduction objective into the NEO, the Clean Energy Council says that proper consideration of carbon emissions in energy objectives will make it easier for investors to make fully informed choices, helping keep costs down for consumers.

The clean energy industry has been calling for this reform for more than 15 years.

“This is a really positive development. This long overdue change will make it easier for policymakers to consider the realities of climate change in their decision making,” said Clean Energy Council Director of Energy Transformation, Christiaan Zuur.

“Despite what the nay-sayers would have you believe, this will only make it easier and cheaper to decarbonise the grid.

“This is not the time for grandstanding, or crying doom because governments are finally addressing the realities of the climate crisis. It’s about getting on with the job and finding ways to help the Australian Energy Market Commission, Australian Energy Regulator and Australian Energy Market Operator find sensible ways to adapt our creaking market regulatory frameworks.”

Within the National Electricity Law, the NEO sets out some guiding principles for the National Electricity Market (NEM) rules. The NEO promotes "efficient investment in, and efficient operation and use of, electricity services for the long-term interests of consumers of electricity with respect to: 1. price, quality, safety, reliability, and security of supply of electricity; and 2. the reliability, safety and security of the national electricity system."

The Clean Energy Council remains focused on turning these high-level objectives into practical outcomes and looks forward to working with industry and regulators to implement this long-overdue reform.

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Jane Aubrey
Clean Energy Council Public Affairs Manager
[email protected]
+61 409 470 683