The Australian argues that Turnbull’s new energy policy is no silver bullet but it stands out as a carefully considered attempt to right some of the policy mistakes made by both major parties in the past.
The government's new energy plan will force electricity retailers like Origin, AGL and Energy Australia to ensure they have a reserve of on-demand power from dispatchable sources like coal, gas or renewables batteries.
They will also be forced to ensure they limit their carbon dioxide emissions, under enforcement mechanisms yet to be discussed with state governments.
The Australian says it is an additional strand of government intervention and it is still aimed at increasing investment in low-emissions technology to meet the Paris climate commitments. However, it stresses that at least it is simple and, crucially, attempts to circumvent chronic system vulnerability.
The paper urges Labor and the states to embrace the policy as a means to settle national policy. It believes once they embrace it, then a debate about our emissions reduction targets and whether they are justifiable, affordable or worthwhile can continue without everyone worrying whether the lights will stay on.
