The Clean Energy Council has welcomed reform to Australia’s National Electricity Objective (NEO), including an agreement to state emissions reduction goals within it.
As part of National Electricity Law, the NEO sets out guiding principles for the National Electricity Market (NEM) rules.
The NEO promotes “efficient investment in, and efficient operation and use of, electricity services for the long-term interests of consumers of electricity with respect to 1) price, quality, safety, reliability and security of supply of electricity; and 2) the reliability, safety and security of the national electricity system.”
The Clean Energy Council has been calling for this reform for the past 15 years, and says it will be a key driver to accelerating decarbonisation in Australia.
In a recent submission in response to the consultation on incorporating an emissions reduction objective into the NEO, the organisation says proper consideration of carbon emissions in energy objectives will make it easier for investors to make fully informed choices, and help keep costs down for consumers.
“This is a really positive development,” says Clean Energy Council director of energy transformation Christiaan Zuur.
“This long overdue change will make it easier for policymakers to consider the realities of climate change in their decision making.
“Despite what naysayers would have you believe, this will only make it easier and cheaper to decarbonise the grid.
“This is not the time for grandstanding or crying doom because governments are finally addressing the realities of the climate crisis.
“It’s about getting on with the job and finding ways to help the Australian Energy Market Commission, Australian Energy Regulator and Australian Energy Market Operator find sensible ways to adapt our creaking market regulatory frameworks.”
