The risk of a “disorderly energy transition” is “almost certain” according to the Victorian Auditor-General, leading to supply shortages, skyrocketing energy prices and widespread job losses.
In a report released yesterday, the Auditor-General also warned Victorians will face gas shortages as early as next year and confirmed “the current pipeline of generation and battery projects will not be enough to offset Yallourn’s closure from mid-2028.”
The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, said the Allan Labor Government had set itself up for certain failure by accelerating the closure of coal-fired power stations without a proper plan to replace their baseload power.
“Labor has had 11 years to prepare for the transition away from coal-fired power, but repeated inaction and mismanagement of the grid mean Victoria is in a precarious position,” Mr Cameron said.
“The Auditor-General has now confirmed Labor will not meet its legislated 2032 offshore wind targets and has failed to consider the risks associated delaying approvals and auctions.
“I support a sensible and considered transition to renewables, but Labor’s plan is neither sensible nor considered.
“The SEC will not deliver enough renewable energy to meet demand in time for the accelerated closure of coal-fired power stations.
“We now face almost certain power shortages, even higher electricity bills, and job losses – none of which are acceptable outcomes when Labor has had 11 years to prepare for this transition.
“People in the Latrobe Valley are already losing their jobs and livelihoods because of Labor’s rushed transition, and the Auditor-General’s forecast says the pain will only get worse.
“Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio should resign. She has shown time and time again that she leads with ideology instead of commonsense.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage the energy transition, and Victorians are paying the price.”
