New powers over SA electricity market in place

Electricity transmission towers set against bright blue sky (cyber energy)
Image: Shutterstock

New state government powers over the electricity market are now in place in South Australia.

The new laws are a part of the state’s $550m energy plan, aimed at putting control back in the hands of South Australians for the first time since the privatisation of ETSA.

The powers mean that the energy minister can direct electricity generators to turn on if there is a supply shortfall.

The Minister will also be able to direct the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to control flows across the interconnector with Victoria in order to better protect the South Australian grid.

Acting Energy Minister Peter Malinauskas said the new laws are a “crucial component” of the energy plan announced in

“From today the energy minister will have to power to direct available generators to turn on if the market fails to prevent an electricity supply shortfall,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“The State Government has not had this flexibility since the previous Liberal Government sold our electricity assets.

“Along with our new gas-fired generator, the construction of Australia’s largest grid-connected battery and incentives designed to drive the production of more gas to be supplied to local generators, these laws will allow South Australians to take charge of their energy future.”

The new laws were proclaimed by The Governor His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC at a meeting of the state’s executive council last week.

Previous articleTasmania launches energy efficiency loan scheme
Next articleOrigin sells Darling Downs solar project