Greater job security and more reliable and affordable energy will be direct results of the Federal Government’s National Energy Guarantee (NEG) plan, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester has urged the Labor Party to back the plan saying Latrobe Valley power station operators will have more incentive to invest in upgrades and secure local jobs.
Mr Chester said the National Energy Guarantee announced today by the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg was good for Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.
“This is a major step in the right direction,” Mr Chester said.
“The National Energy Guarantee will help take pressure off household budgets, and reduce power costs for businesses and industry.
“That means we are helping to keep electricity bills lower, and protect long-term jobs our region.
“Under our policy, the Coalition is looking after the interests of power station workers in the Latrobe Valley, by encouraging investment in more efficient use of brown coal electricity generation, while at the same time continuing to support the important role of renewables.”
The National Energy Guarantee has two key elements: A reliability guarantee to deliver dispatchable energy from ready-to-use sources such as coal, gas, pumped hydro and batteries; and an emissions guarantee to contribute to Australia’s international commitments.
“We need a variety of energy sources to keep the lights on, and to also meet our global emissions reduction targets,” Mr Chester said.
“I support an energy mix that provides reliable electricity to houses and businesses, at affordable prices, while meeting our emissions reductions targets.”
Mr Chester said the changes would provide greater certainty for Latrobe Valley power stations and their workers. Large energy users including farmers, hospitals and manufacturers in Gippsland would also benefit.
“The new approach provides investment certainty for baseload power providers in the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Chester said.
“There is also the possibility for the construction of new power stations, using the latest, modern technology.”
The National Energy Guarantee is based on advice from the Energy Security Board. It has been welcomed by AGL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Vesey, who said “with bipartisan support, it will provide investment certainty”.
Mr Chester said Labor should back blue collar workers and local families.
“Labor has failed on energy policy, both in Canberra and Melbourne, selling out blue collar workers for Green votes,” Mr Chester said.
“When it comes to energy, Labor says one thing to people in Melbourne, and another thing to people in Morwell. Labor has been in Government in Victoria for 14 of the past 18 years and they have failed on energy policy. We need a new approach.”
