Big power users at serious risk with massive rise in wholesale prices

Big electricity generators say manufacturers will struggle to stay afloat as the energy crisis escalates and gas producers move to boost supply.

The Liddell Power Station.

Big electricity generators say manufacturers will struggle to stay afloat as the energy crisis escalates and gas producers move to boost supply.

After The Australian revealed a major coal-fired unit at AGL Energy’s Liddell Power Station had failed, compounding a crunch in the national electricity market, major producers said the massive rise in wholesale power prices could cripple large energy users.

Delta Electricity, which ­operates NSW’s Vales Point station, said it was concerned by the precarious situation, with fuel costs rising and tight supplies of coal.

“There will be consequences of this. There are commercial and industrial customers who just won’t be able to keep going,” Delta chief executive Greg Everett said.