Opposition to electricity reforms not going away

The EMA is puzzled and deeply concerned as to why the Electricity Authority has pushed its transmission pricing proposal into another round of consultation.

"No matter how many times a decision is delayed the EA has to realise opposition to this is not going to fade away. It’s our members’ livelihoods on the line and we are yet to be convinced there has been effective industry consultation," says Mark Champion, GM Advocacy and Industry Relations, EMA.

"We’ve said all along, this is a poor way to generate public policy, and this latest decision strengthens our belief that the issue and possible solution requires an independent expert review," says Mr Champion.

"The EA has been forced into a third round of consultation, doesn’t that indicate the current proposal is deeply flawed and requires more than refinement?

"Also, the timing of this consultation is less than ideal, given it falls during the traditional summer and holiday period making it more difficult to commission expert opinion."

The EA stated earlier today it intended to release a supplementary TPM consultation paper on the proposed refinements on 6 December 2016, with submissions due on 10 February 2017.

"The EA is now kicking this problem into an election year, rather than accepting it needs to start again. There is already legal action being taken for the way this process has been undertaken, and I would expect this type of pressure to continue until we can have transparency and confidence in the process."

ENDS

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