An upper house motion on energy reliability moved by The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath has been blocked by the Andrews Government and cross bench MP’s in State Parliament.
Ms Bath’s motion was voted down by Labor the day before Australia Energy Operator AEMO warned Victoria is now at high risk of rolling blackouts this summer due to constant delays and disruptions to renewable energy production.
AEMO said Victoria needed “urgent and ongoing investment needed to maintain energy reliability”.
Ms Bath said she debated the energy reliability motion as Labor had failed to produce an energy plan that delivers reliable and affordable energy for all Victorians.
“Labor is blindly ploughing ahead with a rapid transition to renewables without secured investment or contracts for new energy projects, let alone a timeline to secure the necessary transmission infrastructure.
“The next 10 years in Victoria will be ominous with respect to energy security because there is no detailed plan for transition.
“Our energy transition must be undertaken responsibly, with all options considered in an environmentally responsible way.
“The volatility of Victoria’s energy supply is highly concerning from forcing early closures of power stations – heading into summer there’s no guarantee Victoria will be able to keep the lights on.”
Producing 20 per cent of the Victoria’s electricity supplies Yallourn Power Station will close in 2028, while Loy Yang A, Victoria’s largest power station producing 30 per cent of the state’s energy supplies will now close in 2035.
Ms Bath said electricity prices have risen 25 per cent this year and Victorians are struggling to make ends meet due to rising cost of living pressures.
“The Andrews Government went to last election spruiking they’ll lower energy bills, but in stark contrast costs have sky rocketed putting significant pressure on families.
“Victorians consumers are paying more and receiving much less due to Labor’s failed policy.
“The reestablishment of the SEC remains a fanciful pipedream 10 months post announcement – it is a headline with no identified projects or funding partners for its delivery.
“Victorian’s needs a government to guarantee the delivery a secure and affordable energy supply without the spin.
“The only outcome Labor has delivered is sky high bills and an unreliable energy grid teetering on a knifes edge.
“The state desperately needs a common sense strategy to build new energy generation and upgrade Victoria’s transmission network, so households and businesses have access to clean, affordable and reliable power.”
