The Australian argues that Australia cannot secure affordable power and energy security while meeting our substantial emissions reduction obligations.
The Australian says politicians now have come up with a novel solution, so-called “demand management”.
Businesses and households will be offered rebates on their power bills if they agree to turn down their air conditioning, temporarily switch off pool pumps and reduce use of industrial equipment in times of extreme demand.
The federal government announced it is providing $28.6 million to trial projects across Victoria, South Australia and NSW.
The Australian deplores what we have become, arguing one of the largest exporters of energy is so hellbent on boosting and subsidising renewable energy to cut carbon emissions that we now have grave concerns about the rising cost of power and possible shortages, and will pay people not to use electricity.
It also says as a nation, through actions of federal and state governments, we have inflicted economic self-harm, eliminating our natural economic advantage of cheap and plentiful energy.
Although the Prime Minister insists we can meet the trifecta of secure and affordable power while meeting our emission reduction obligations, the Australian says it cannot be achieved as meeting the emissions targets is undermining the cost and security objectives.
