Efficiency experts release action plan for slashing energy bills 28 June 2017
Governments can slash the energy bills of households and businesses and help solve Australia's energy crisis, but doing so will require decisive action says the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC).
Launching their 'top ten' priority actions for state and federal governments today, EEC Chief Executive Officer Luke Menzel says getting smarter about the way we use energy is crucial for solving Australia's energy crisis.
“Australia's energy debate is almost entirely focused on the merits of coal fired generation versus renewable energy like solar and wind."
"A transition to lower carbon forms of generation looks to be inevitable, and carefully managing that shift is important. However, there are also huge opportunities to change the way we use energy that would be quicker to implement and a lot cheaper than focusing solely on investments in new generation and storage technology."
Energy efficiency lowers the volume of energy consumed, cutting energy bills and acting as virtual ‘baseload’ generation. Smart energy management can also reduce demand during peak periods, helping to ensure security of supply and lowering the cost of electricity.
"If implemented, our ten priority actions would cut bills for households and businesses, and help secure the long-term security of our energy system," Mr Menzel says.
The EEC's recommendations touch on every part of Australia's economy, and include:
- Urgent government support for manufacturers to manage skyrocketing gas prices through energy productivity improvements
- Extending energy efficiency certificate schemes to additional states
- Programs that transform the efficiency and comfort of commercial buildings
- Ramping up government action to improve the energy efficiency of its own facilities
- Bringing the benefits of energy performance disclosure to the residential market
- Energy market reform, including rapid implementation of the Finkel Review's recommendations on demand response.
"Australia's rate of energy efficiency improvement continues to fall behind other developed economies. Taking advantage of this opportunity will require strong government leadership, and new energy efficiency policies that remove barriers and correct market distortions,” Mr Menzel concludes.
Save Energy, Cut Bills, Improve Reliability – 2017-18 policy priorities for an energy efficient Australia was launched today at a Leaders’ Forum in Melbourne. Speakers at the Forum included Energy and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg and Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Willox.
It can be downloaded at www.eec.org.au/handbook
Media contact
Luke Menzel
M: 0433 237 293
E: luke.menzel@eec.org.au
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