Reforms in energy

The National Electricity Market is working well, providing a competitive market which provides for the long-term needs of consumers in an efficient and properly regulated manner.

Electricity consumption by sector, 2011

However there should be a review of ownership arrangements for energy utilities and infrastructure in NSW, Queensland, WA and Tasmania. Reforms (like those successfully introduced in Victoria and South Australia in the 1990s) would assist the market to become fully competitive and more sustainable.

Future issues for attention include efforts to reduce peak period demand for electricity by giving customers incentives to manage peak consumption.

There is a need for continued government assistance to support electricity supply in remote communities where generation is not able to be provided on a commercial basis.