[Greens-Media] Iemma electricity plans are unnecessary and dangerous

[John Kaye]

Iemma electricity plans are unnecessary and dangerous
 
Media Release: 10 September 2007
 
The NSW Government is being panicked into an economic and environmental
dead end if it proceeds with a new coal-fired power station and
privatisation of the electricity industry, according to Greens NSW MP
John Kaye.
 
Analysis released by the Greens shows that there is no need for new
generating plant if the state begins to phase out inefficient household
electric hot water units.
 
Commenting on a story on page 9 of today’s Sydney Morning Herald, Dr
Kaye said: “Privatisation and new base-load plant are completely
unnecessary and would drive up costs and greenhouse gas emissions. 
 
“All that the NSW state government needs to do is ban the installation
of new electric off-peak hot water units, and provided interest free
loans for solar and high efficiency gas water units.
 
“This would reduce demand for electricity to the point that existing
supply would be more than adequate for many years to come.
 
“Our analysis shows that the total cost to the NSW government of
interest free loans to households to cover the installation cost
difference between a solar unit and an off-peak unit would be less than
$4.6 million a year.
 
“The Iemma government is being panicked into approving new base-load
capacity and privatising the industry, without looking at the lower cost
options.
 
“If the Iemma government ignores the potential for solar water heating
and other efficiency measures, it risks locking NSW into a polluting and
expensive base-load plant.
 
“The Owen Inquiry was set the wrong questions. Focusing on base load
inevitably leads to high emissions answers like coal-fired generators
and privatisation. The real issue is meeting consumer’s energy needs
while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The answer is demand side
measures like improved efficiency and solar water heating and
maintaining a publicly owned industry.
 
“Premier Iemma’s leadership abilities are on trial. His response to the
Owen inquiry will test his capacity to break free from the coal pressure
groups in Cabinet, led by Treasurer Michael Costa, and take the state to
an energy efficiency, renewable future,” Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455 
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000