Federal Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis has today congratulated the NSW State Government for its delivery of the Energy Relief Package.
“I welcome the State Government’s decision to finally act, it is great to see them following the Federal Government’s lead in assisting people with the cost of living, and businesses with the cost of operation,” she said. “The Coalition Government’s priority is energy affordability and reliability. We have to look at measures that can achieve greater affordability and stability in the system, and we are doing that. “There is significant confusion around energy supply. The State Government is the governing body responsible for energy supply. “While we negotiate with retailers to deliver lower prices, and the gas industry to retain some domestic gas to fuel the production of base load power, it is now up to each and every one of us to encourage the NSW State Government to assist the owners of the Liddell power station to keep operating. All of these actions will help drive prices down.” Mrs Sudmalis believes the rising power costs are the direct result of price gauging and political opposition strategy at power company AGL. “We have a real issue with energy pricing which has become ever present with AGL, owner operator of the Hunter Valley based Liddell power station, who is committed to closing the aging plant by 2022, they are not committed to extending its operation or upgrading the facility to fix the situation. “Power companies are the only ones reaping the rewards, higher pricing means higher profits. “It really is unjust that you and I are paying outrageous bills, yet AGL has doubled its profits to $1.24 billion and AGL CEO Andy Vesey, took home $6.9 million last year. “What’s worse still, Mr Vesey’s is linked to former Campaign Director of ‘Get UP’ and Labor staffer Skye Laris who is now a Senior Manager at AGL,” said Mrs Sudmalis. Details on the Energy Relief Package are available via this link. Media Release
