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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 5 Hansard (15 May) . . Page.. 1300 ..

MR DE (continuing):

What we have decided, however, is that the jurisdictions will work together to harmonise current systems and the existing State codes used for the electricity industry. New South Wales has very recently achieved a State electricity market. By agreement with the New South Wales Government, ACTEW is a participant in that market. An early start for interstate electricity trading, in which ACTEW will be able to buy at the best possible price instead of being tied to its traditional suppliers, is an exciting step forward for the ACT. We hope to announce an actual start-up date soon.

One crucial feature of the national electricity market approach is that customers will be able to choose which supplier they will trade with. Members will be aware that the retail market in Victoria, at least for large customers, has already been opened up. The New South Wales Government is proposing to make its program for deregulation known soon. For the ACT, what we are moving towards is a situation in which ACT customers, both large and small, will have the opportunity to buy their electricity from ACTEW, from another retail company or even from a generator direct. Conversely, ACTEW will be able to operate as a retailer in other participating jurisdictions. Given community concerns with telecommunications deregulation, I want to make it clear that the framework for the national electricity market involves access to ACTEW's wires for other retailers at a fair, regulated price. It will not involve duplication of wiring.

Our aim, Mr Speaker, and that of other governments, is for all customers to eventually have a choice. We are required to move to a deregulated market by the year 2001, and we will do it in an orderly and managed way to ensure that all potential participants are comfortable with the new arrangements. In the meantime, however, the interests of smaller domestic and business users will be well protected by the implementation of independent pricing oversight in the ACT. Mr Speaker, major changes are afoot in Australia's electricity supply industry, and the time for implementation of a competitive national electricity market is now approaching. I am very pleased with what we have been able to achieve in the last 12 months in moving towards a better electricity industry. I am confident that the pro-competitive reforms will be of benefit to all Canberrans. I present the following paper:

Energy Ministers Meeting of 9 May 1996 - ministerial statement, 15 May 1996.

I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Debate (on motion by Mr Wood) adjourned.

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