With Angus Taylor’s reappointment to the Morrison Cabinet after the successful reelection of the Morrison Government, Minister for Energy Angus Taylor has a new title – title Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction.
While not directly addressing the new title, Mr Taylor noted in a media statement the government’s clear mandate of getting “on with the job of driving down wholesale and retail electricity prices while improving energy reliability and meeting our international emissions commitments”.
“Last year, the Government embarked on an ambitious agenda to deliver real reform for consumers,” Mr Taylor said.
“This Government is overseeing record investment of more than $25 billion in renewable energy projects to 2021, as well as Snowy 2.0 and Battery of the Nation in Tasmania.
“We have targeted a 25 per cent reduction in the average National Electricity Market wholesale price, requiring further implementation of ACCC recommendations, including underwriting new 24/7 electricity supply and competition.
“The Government has also committed to the Climate Solutions Package, which includes detailed initiatives to meet our 2030 emission reduction commitments without damaging Australian industries, undermining jobs or hiking the cost of living.”
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Figures from the energy industry welcomed the news of the appointment, with the Australian Energy Council (AEC) stating it looks forward to continuing a productive relationship with Mr Taylor.
“We share the Morrison Government‘s commitment to better energy market outcomes for Australian households and businesses,” AEC chief executive Sarah McNamara said.
“There are policy challenges ahead, but we believe that a collaborative approach will be to the benefit of all energy customers.”
Energy Networks Australia also congratulated Mr Taylor, with CEO Andrew Dillon saying the industry looked forward to continuing to work with Minister Taylor in progressing a sustainable energy future at what was a critical time in the evolution of the sector.
“Our key priorities are the grid integration challenges of connecting renewables, both large and small scale, the National Hydrogen Strategy and maintaining the sector’s financeability,” Mr Dillon said.
“Energy and climate policies are closely linked and combing the two is a positive step towards the policy certainty and stability the industry needs.
“Renewable energy presents many opportunities but also challenges for the grid, which is why Energy Networks Australia has been working with the Australian Energy Market Operator on the Open Energy Networks project.”
