Power market in the dark as negotiations over Eraring drag on

Angela Macdonald-Smith and Samantha Hutchinson

Feb 28, 2024 – 6.48pm

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Origin Energy is seeking at least a safety net to prevent it wearing losses from continuing to operate the Eraring coal power station in NSW as discussions about keeping the massive generator online stretch on 18 months ahead of its scheduled closure.

The negotiations started some six months ago and there is no timing for a decision, leaving some of Origin’s competitors nervous about planning their own generation requirements and clean energy transition. Eraring is the country’s largest power station and regularly accounts for one-quarter of the electricity required in NSW.

Angela Macdonald-Smith writes on the resources industry with a focus on energy, including gas, oil, electricity and renewables.

Samantha Hutchinson is the AFR's National Reporter. Most recently, she was CBD columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Before that, she covered Victorian and NSW politics and business for The Australian, the AFR and BRW Magazine.