Guy Barnett has
today admitted the Premier’s flagship business energy hardship scheme will only
help a fraction of Tasmania’s businesses suffering from significantly higher
energy recontracting costs.
As a recent
report from the Tasmanian Economic Regulator shows, Aurora Energy has
approximately 5,000 business customers on market contracts.
In many cases
these businesses are seeing their energy costs triple.
Minister
Barnett claims there are only 2,100 businesses that consume over 150 MWH
annually in Tasmania. This means the other 3,000 odd business on market
contracts – many of which have recontracted during this period of higher prices
– won’t be eligible to even apply for assistance.
The fact also remains that the Government has budgeted to assist just 300 businesses state-wide.
Embarrassing though it may be, the Premier should revise his flagship policy for a second time.
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Energy & Emissions Reduction
