The AGE argues that policymakers should limit the increase of power bills while ensuring the electricity supply remains reliable and cutting emissions in addressing climate change.
The repeal of Labor's carbon price did offer some short-term relief, but Mr Abbott's abolition of the carbon price, married with the government's failure to introduce anything in its place to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity industry, is now actually increasing costs.
The carbon price was not the main driver of skyrocketing power bills in recent years. The cost of electricity has overwhelmingly surged due to what has become known as "gold plating" - the extraordinary amount network businesses have spent on poles and wires.
Dr Finkel lucidly diagnosed the problems facing the electricity system. After 120 years of relative stability, it is undergoing unprecedented change. It is moving away from coal and toward cleaner forms of generation. That shift is inevitable and cannot be reversed.
Some solutions will be cheaper than others, but the government has ruled out considering an emissions intensity scheme despite expert advice suggesting it would be cheaper than doing nothing.
Though Malcolm Turnbull favours carbon pricing as the best way to respond to climate change, he remains stuck with Mr Abbott's policies, which retain the support of much of his party room.
Mr Abbott underlined the point this week, applauding Mr Turnbull for ruling out any form of carbon pricing, and arguing Australia should be an affordable energy superpower. In truth, as long as his stance holds sway, the country is at risk of becoming the opposite.
