Searing heat of the sun scorching the nation’s energy policies

The current warm weather being experienced on the east coast is starting to expose the cracks in Chris Bowen’s energy strategy.

The indications are clear that as coal-fired power stations are progressively decommissioned, both our domestic power supply and our industrial power supply will increasingly be interrupted. The zealotry with which coal, gas and nuclear are being rejected will push us back to conditions that we thought we had left behind decades ago. Far from leading to cheaper power prices, this strategy will ensure that Australia experiences a very high cost for electricity among the OECD nations that ultimately will lead to increased prices, increased inflation and the movement of capital offshore.

This, in turn, will mean a reduction in living standards for us all. We should all reflect on how rapidly this could occur. If our coal and iron ore industries diminish, not only will the much-vaunted budget surpluses disappear but so will our ability to fund our health, education, defence, aged care and disability systems.

Given that two of the largest emitters, China and India, do not accept the pressure to achieve net zero – and now even the US doesn’t – the likelihood of reaching global net zero by 2050 is close to zero.

Also, given that the cost of attempting to achieve this goal in Australia will have severe implications for our country, coupled with the fact that even if we did achieve the impossible goal the elimination of our emissions would have virtually no impact on the global aggregate, it might be time to re-examine if it is really necessary to attempt to achieve this transition at a speed that will have devastating effects on our economy.

Dennis Jelavic, Castaways Beach, Qld

The contradictions surrounding our Energy Minister’s plan to re-wire the nation are showing up every day.

Long since buried is the Prime Minister’s pledge to bring power prices down by $275 for every household in the country. Most unfortunate for Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen that they have run up against a vulgar thing called money. It has now been revealed that the capital cost of unfurling this tangle of poles and wires to achieve net zero by 2050 could reach $1.5 trillion.

Where this would come from is anyone’s guess. Much of it will travel over – and sully – vast tracts of productive and beautiful country. Not a peep about this vandalism from the Greens or the teals. No surprise there. After all, they have a target to meet.

PC Wilson, Miami, Qld

The warning NSW received this week shows that maintenance on coal-fired power should be done in low-demand months, especially during the energy transition (“AEMO in race to lock in power”, 29/11).

Power generation is only one part of the transition. Energy efficiency, conservation and load shifting are others. Consumers can save money by shopping around for contracts that reward load shifting. A win-win.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Vic

In the late 1940s Sydney was hit by a miner strike, which meant we had to use gas for cooking and dangerous, pressurised lanterns for lighting, with no electricity available. A couple of decades ago, the ACT was hit with terrible bushfires and we were told to reduce our electricity usage.

These are the only two occasions I can recall in more than 80 years when my family was subject to electricity cuts.

The excuse now seems to be hot weather. This is Australia; Australia is traditionally a hot country. I have worked in 50C temperatures. What nonsense people are bleating about today.

But it is not a surprise. One glance at the quality of people we have representing us is a reflection on the stupidity of Australians who voted for them.

Alastair Bridges, Wanniassa, ACT

I recall the days during petrol rationing in the 1970s where, if your car number plate was an even number, you could queue up at a petrol station on Mondays and Thursdays and if it was odd number, it was Tuesdays and Fridays.

The government has taken us back to those days. I envisage next year, if your house number is an even number, you will be able to use your electrical appliances two days of the week and if an odd number, two other days.

Louise Dunbar, Cammeray, NSW