Wild weather that knocked out power supplies to hundreds of homes and businesses has underlined the urgent need for a more dependable energy network for Victoria.
Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson said Tuesday’s storm highlighted why the Albanese Government needed to shift its priorities when it comes to ensuring states and territories had adequate backup power solutions in times of crisis.
“It’s time for a pragmatic approach which prioritises stable and secure energy sources, ensuring that Victorians aren’t left in the dark,” Senator Henderson said.
“My thoughts are with the residents in regional and remote areas who have been without power for more than 24 hours.
“Victorians need an electricity system which is resilient to weather, not reliant on it.
“Residents deserve a grid which has reliable backup energy generation that is available 24/7.”
On Wednesday morning when asked about the role gas should play in the electricity market, Victorian Labor Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio conceded ‘There’s time for those discussions… but that’s not for today.’
The Federal Coalition has long advocated for the need to use gas to fill critical gaps in the energy market, however, under Labor gas is becoming harder and harder to come by.
“Under Labor we are seeing an ideological ‘renewables-only’ approach to energy rather than on energy policy which keeps the lights on and prices low,” Senator Henderson said.
“Victorian Labor’s gas ban on new home builds is a disgraceful attack on Victorian families which is driving our state back to the dark ages.”
On nearly 100 occasions Anthony Albanese looked Australians in the eye and promised he would cut power prices by $275.
“This Labor government promised cheaper electricity prices and a more reliable energy grid. The Prime Minister needs to explain why Australians are now paying some of the most expensive energy bills in the world,” Senator Henderson said.
If you are one of the many thousands of affected customers across Melbourne’s western suburbs and western Victoria:
- For blackout and safety advice, please visit https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/safety/power-outages/staying-safe-during-a-power-outage
- To report faults and to check on the status of outages in your area, please call Powercor Australia on 13 24 12, or visit https://www.powercor.com.au/power-outages-and-emergencies/live-outage-map/