News

Energy | November 25, 2019

Potential power outages alarm local residents

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy has been contacted by a large number of local residents alarmed at the likelihood of major power outages across the region over summer.

The concerns follow Energy Australia’s recent warning that Daniel Andrews aggressive push towards wind and solar electricity generation will send electricity prices through the roof and increase the number of blackouts affecting Victorians.

“Labor’s reckless energy policies have already seen the wholesale price of electricity triple in Victoria and forced Victorians to suffer through sweltering heat with power blackouts,” Ms Kealy said.

“Last year the power supply situation left many of our most vulnerable – the elderly, infirm and infants – without any cooling on extremely hot days, a potentially lethal situation.

“Local residents are also concerned about their ability to protect themselves, their families and their assets from fire on days of extreme fire risk.”

The age and capacity of some power lines in the region and the fire risk that they pose have also been raised as a concern.

Ms Kealy has written to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change requesting the timeline for when power lines in the region will be upgraded to address their deteriorating condition and the increased capacity required due to renewable energy projects coming online.

“The Nationals support a transition to a balanced energy mix that provides affordable and reliable power 24/7 with coal, gas and renewables and new technological advancements all having a role in meeting our energy needs,” Ms Kealy said.