Restructuring the Electricity Industry in Western Australia: What's in it for the Environment?

Abstract

In Western Australia electricity industry restructuring has proceeded at a slow pace since the mid-1990s and development of renewable energy projects has been limited. However in August 2001 the State Government established the Electricity Reform Task Force (ERTF) to investigate and make recommendations on further electricity reforms to be undertaken in Western Australia. The Terms of Reference developed by the Government gave the ERTF a number of conflicting objectives. The main objective was to achieve “sustainable lower electricity prices” for all customers while maintaining the uniform tariff for residential and small business customers. A secondary objective was to give due consideration to the role that sustainable and renewable energy may have in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This article examines these conflicting objectives of the ERTF and the likely opportunities for renewable energy and end-use energy efficiency as the State Government moves to implement the recommendations.