Power Play

Andrew Reeves

Andrew Reeves is the chairman of the Australian Energy Regulator who has recently announced a review of the rules because he says problems in the system are leading to excessive price increases.

George Maltabarow

George Maltabarow is the Managing Director of Ausgrid which is one of the largest electricity networks in Australia. He says there are several factors behind rising prices: replacing ageing infrastructure, the impact of the government’s renewable energy schemes, and meeting peak demand when everyone uses electrical appliances on very hot or cold days.

Muriel Watt

Muriel Watt is Chair of the Australian Photovoltaic Association. She says simple changes to energy regulation, such as the right to a fair price for power which is supplied back to the grid, would make it economic for most households to install solar panels and bring down their bills.

Barry Brook

Barry Brook is an environmental scientist based at the University of Adelaide. He says renewable energy will be too expensive and that nuclear energy is the cleanest, cheapest way of meeting Australia’s energy needs whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Matthew Wright

Matthew Wright is Executive Director of Beyond Zero Emissions, an energy think tank which proposes that Australia convert to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2020, and focuses on concentrated solar thermal plants with storage.

Phyllis Batumbil

Phyllis Batumbil is a traditional owner from Arhhem Land. Mata Mata is one of 120 remote indigenous communities where diesel generators have been replaced with solar panels. Phyllis tells how the Bushlight solar system has incorporated energy efficiency and demand management into their lives, saving money and providing a more reliable power supply.

Chris Dunstan

Chris Dunstan is a research director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology, Sydney. Chris says the best way to stop energy price hikes is to invest in energy efficiency and manage demand.