CLP ‘aware’ of energy concerns around renewables transition for two years: Burgoyne

The CLP spokesman for Renewables and Energy says the Opposition has had long-held concerns about the “cost” of the Gunner Government’s 50 per cent renewables by 2030 target.

• Lights out: NT Utilities Commission report warns of risks to Territory power in government push for more renewable energy

THE CLP spokesman for Renewables and Energy says the Opposition has had long-held concerns about the “cost” of the Gunner Government’s 50 per cent renewables by 2030 target, after a report outlined a number of “emerging risks” of the transition.

Joshua Burgoyne said the CLP was “aware” of issues raised in a report by the Utilities Commission, revealed in the Sunday Territorian.

The NT Utilities Commission’s 2020 Electricity Outlook Report, released last week, identified three “big risks” the government needs to address to prevent the lights from going out and the transition costing consumers and taxpayers more than the lower costs promised by renewables.

It warns that “time is running out to meet the emerging risks”.

MORE TOP NEWS

Federal Labor’s Murray Watt attacks Tracey Hayes’ appointment as the new head of NAIF

Territorians to benefit the most from new superannuation increase: Industry Super

Self-quarantine for vaccinated Aussies still far off for the NT, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner

Mr Burgoyne said the Opposition had been voicing its concerns in parliament about these risks for a number of years.

“The CLP is aware of the issues raised by the Utilities Commission and Minister Lawler has refused or been unable to answer Opposition questioning during Estimates about the cost of reaching the Labor government’s 50 per cent renewables target, for the last two years,” he said.

“Minister Lawler claims it is ‘an investment’, yet there is no clear plan or costing for reaching the target.”

Mr Burgoyne said the issues raised in the report were “reflective of the government’s woeful fiscal outlook and ability to manage the Territory economy in the short, medium and long-term.”

The Utilities Commission is forecasting 23 per cent renewables as a proportion of electricity consumption in the Darwin-Katherine system by 2029-30, which is less than half of the government’s 50 per cent target.

Alice Springs is worse at just 14 per cent.

It also forecasts a generation capacity shortfall to meet system security needs in the Darwin-Katherine and Alice Springs systems.

Ms Lawler said on Saturday the Territory government’s draft policy position and consultation papers on priority electricity market reforms would address system security, reliability and efficiency.

“The Darwin-Katherine System Plan is well progressed, along with our Alice Springs Future Grid project,” Ms Lawler said.