THE NEXT FOUR YEARS

- In 2006-07 capital expenditure of $2.3 billion on electricity related infrastructure will account for 23 per cent of all infrastructure spending.

- Over 70 per cent of this investment will be in electricity distribution and the focus of this spending will be meeting growth in demand across the State and continuing to ensure network reliability.

- To meet rising peak demand, a major new gas turbine generation plant will be built by the private sector at Tallawarra. Existing generator capacity is also being upgraded at Liddell, Bayswater and Mt Piper and a new gas peaking plant will be built at Munmorah. These projects will address the shortfalls predicted in the National Electricity Market Management Company 2005 Statement of Opportunities.

- The New South Wales Government will continue to establish a clear environment for industry investment by extending the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme to 2020. The recent reform and simplification of planning laws will streamline and facilitate energy infrastructure development along with a gradual phasing out of the Electricity Tariff Equalisation Fund.

- New South Wales distribution network businesses are also trialling 'Smart Meters' designed to give consumers better information, reduce consumption at peak periods, and reduce their bills.

SHARPEN COMPETITION AND ENSURE RELIABLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

BLAYNEY WIND FARM