On 3 December 2010, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) wrote to representatives of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), the NSW Greens, and the Liberal/National Coalition in NSW, asking for clarification of their position on energy and water issues.
PIAC sent a letter to:
- The Minister for Energy, the Hon Paul Lynch MP (ALP)
- The Hon Duncan Gay MLC (Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Energy)
- Dr John Kaye MP (The NSW Greens)
The full text of the letter PIAC sent to these representatives is produced below.
The responses received from these representatives are attached (see above).
Request for information prior to the NSW Election
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is committed to providing consumers and consumer advocates with information that allows them to be informed about issues, assistance measures and upcoming events that relate to energy in NSW.
In line with this commitment, PIAC is writing to the Government, the Opposition and the Greens to request answers to the questions listed below.
It is intended that the answers provided will be publicly released in full on the PIAC website. This is designed to enable consumers to compare each party’s position on key areas of concern as we approach the election and the next term of government in NSW.
1. Energy Efficiency
If elected, what actions will you take to provide access to energy efficient appliances for low-income households who are ineligible for ‘No Interest Loan Scheme’ (NILS) assistance?
2. Solar Bonus Scheme
How will you ensure that the costs stemming from the Solar Bonus Scheme will not contribute to energy hardship for low-income and vulnerable consumers?
3. Affordability
(a) Will you continue to index the NSW Energy Rebate to energy price rises after 2012?
(b) What energy assistance initiatives will you implement specifically to assist disadvantaged tenants of residential parks in NSW?
4. Consumer Protections
How will you ensure adequate protections for consumers in the event of privatisation of energy retailers?
5. Transition to the National Energy Customer Framework
How will you ensure that no NSW customers are disadvantaged by the implementation of the National Energy Customer Framework?
In order to make this information publicly available prior to the NSW Election, PIAC respectfully requests a response to these questions before 14 January 2011.
If you require any further information please contact Carolyn Hodge, Senior Policy Officer Energy & Water Consumers Advocacy Program, via email ([email protected]) or by telephone on (02) 8898 6520.
Yours sincerely,
Edward Santow (pictured).
Chief Executive Officer, Public Interest Advocacy Centre