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Question and Answer Tracking Details

136 - Energy - ERARING POWER STATION CLOSURE

Borsak, Robert to the Minister for Finance, and Minister for Employee Relations representing the Treasurer, and Minister for Energy

My question without notice is directed to the Leader of the Government and Minister for Finance, representing the Minister for Energy in the other place. Is the Minister aware that the early closure of Eraring Power Station will put 400 people directly out of a job, whilst the net zero emissions target will cost the Hunter region 10,000 jobs? Does the Minister agree that the closure will have zero impact on global temperatures but will increase electricity prices and lower reliability, forcing customers into "third‑world-style programs to manage consumers", to quoteThe Daily Telegraph? Given that our regions are already struggling with housing affordability and the increased cost of living, will the Minister guarantee that there will not be third-world-style electricity supply conditions with the premature closure of Eraring Power Station? What guarantee will the Minister provide that electricity prices in this State will not increase?
Original Answer -

The Hon. DAMIEN TUDEHOPE (Minister for Finance, and Minister for Employee Relations) (12:23:03): The question contains a lot of conjecture and argument. However, notwithstanding that, I will not give commentary on energy policy given the extensive nature of it. The part of the question about how many jobs will be lost is all significant conjecture. It asks me to respond to an article inThe Daily Telegraph. However, I am happy to take it on notice and ask the Minister for a response.
Additional Answer -

I am aware that around 400 people are currently employed at Eraring Power Station. I expect Origin Energy to meet their obligations to their workforce and do everything within their power to ensure that those workers and their families are supported throughout this period. Origin has announced that it will consult with its Eraring workforce about the timing of any potential retirement, as well as providing a generous support package during any transition period. This will include re-skilling, career support and redeployment into new roles, where possible.

The NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan is expected to attract more than $37 billion in private sector investment into NSW and support more than 9000 jobs. As part of our response to Origin’s announcement, the NSW Government has also announced a comprehensive plan to support up to 3700 jobs in future industries.

The closure of Eraring Power Station will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming. Eraring Power station currently emits around 13.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum.

The NSW Government has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure that NSW continues to have reliable and affordable electricity following the closure of the Eraring Power Station. The Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is the NSW Government’s plan to transform our electricity sector to be cheaper, cleaner and more reliable. The Roadmap will continue to place downward pressure on electricity prices and lead to electricity prices lower than they would be without the Roadmap.

Question asked on 24 February 2022 (session 57-1)
Answer received on 16 March 2022

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.