A startling report released today by AEMO has revealed that the likelihood of energy rationing and blackouts
has drastically increased under the Albanese Labor Government.
The Australian Energy Market Operator’s updated Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) report signals a
looming shock to energy reliability in the National Electricity Market (NEM) placing further pressure on already
sky-high energy prices.
The report points towards the premature closure of power stations and delays to the Kurri Kurri gas plant as
key factors in the dramatic reversal of conditions since Labor replaced the Coalition in Government.
Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Ted O’Brien warned Australians to brace for blackouts.
“AEMO’s 2021 ESO report under the Coalition stated that there was ‘no forecast reliability gap… projected in a
NEM region in the outlook period’, Mr O’Brien said.
“Now that the Albanese Labor Government is in power the 2023 report shows that all mainland states and
territories in the NEM can expect a shortfall in energy supply and a major deterioration in reliability.”
“Labor’s policy settings are driving the premature closure of baseload power stations, with more than 20GW set
to leave the grid by 2035, without any guarantee of a replacement.”
“Labor’s reckless and rushed energy policy will ensure Australians pay more for less reliable energy.”
The market operator’s report flags delays to the Kurri Kurri gas plant under Labor which has amplified the
threat to grid stability ahead of the closure of the Liddell power station in April this year.
“Labor’s dogmatic hatred for gas – an important transition fuel for a decarbonised economy – has caused
dangerous and costly delays to the Kurri Kurri gas plant which will make the grid less reliable,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Labor’s energy reliability crisis could have been avoided if it only accepted the advice of the Energy Security
Board to take a technology agnostic approach to the capacity mechanism.”
“Labor killed the capacity mechanism and is instead trying to power Australia with wishful thinking.”