Call for state government to purchase Hazelwood power station

THE State Opposition is calling on the Andrews Government to open up the chequebook and buy the Hazelwood power station to “prevent looming blackouts”.

THE State Opposition is calling on the Andrews Government to open up the chequebook and buy the Hazelwood power station to”prevent looming blackouts”.

Opposition energy spokesman David Southwick has written to Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to ask the government to consider buying the plant.

It comes after the Herald Sun revealed a number of operators, including from South Australia, had expressed interest in buying the power station’s turbines.

Surplus equipment and parts — those not required for demolition works — will go sale at the first of a series of ­online auctions this week.

Victoria’s government has been urged to purchase Hazelwood power station to ensure the state continues its access to affordable, reliable energy. Picture: AAP Image/Mal Fairclough

Mr Southwick said electricity was an “essential service”, and it was a key responsibility of the Victorian Government to ensure its citizens had access to “affordable and reliable electricity”.

“Regrettably, due to the actions by the Victorian Government, including tripling the coal royalty

levy without proper consultation, the Hazelwood Power Station was forced to close,” Mr Southwick said in the letter.

“As a result of the sudden closure, Victoria has lost 22 per cent of its electricity generation capacity.

“According to the Australian Energy Market Operator, Victoria is at risk of electricity shortfalls during peak demand periods — including the current summer — and may suffer blackouts.

Energy minister Lily D'Ambrosio has slammed the opposition’s proposal. Picture: AAP Image/David Moir

“To prevent looming blackouts this summer and beyond in Victoria, I ask that the Victorian

Government considers purchasing a strategic electricity generation plant, such as the Hazelwood Power Station plant, to ensure that adequate generation is available when Victoria faces an electricity supply shortfall.”

Ms D’Ambrosio said the calls from the Opposition were “another attempt to distract from the fact that the Liberals have no energy plan”.

“As Malcolm Turnbull said, it would cost hundreds of millions of dollars just to make Hazelwood safe, and it would also make the Victorian government responsible for $1 billion in rehabilitation costs,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

The power station closed in March, which has seen power prices across Australia rise.

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