“With a 57 per cent increase in annual operational consumption and a 43 per cent increase in peak demand expected 10 years from now, we have to act with urgency”
CME Chief Executive, Rebecca Tomkinson
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) has said this week’s Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) report was another indicator of the need for a sustainable, reliable and cost-effective energy system to service community, business and industry.
CME Chief Executive, Rebecca Tomkinson, said the WA Wholesale Electricity Market Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) highlighted the need for continued capacity investment in the immediate term.
“A key recommendation in CME’s 2024-25 State Government Pre-Budget Submission was for a master transmission plan for the SWIS in consultation with industry, regulators and other key stakeholders,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“We will continue to engage with government on the need for a master plan that takes into account the increasing industry demand for electrification over the coming decade as the push to decarbonisation intensifies.
“With a 57 per cent increase in annual operational consumption and a 43 per cent increase in peak demand expected 10 years from now, we have to act with urgency to build not just the generation and storage required but the transmission infrastructure to connect new supply to customers.”
Ms Tomkinson said the doubling of wholesale electricity prices in WA since 2021 put the competitiveness of businesses and industry at risk.
“Any significant cost increases along the supply chain, including electricity prices, threaten the viability of WA’s resources sector and the enormous contribution it makes to jobs, local businesses, community investment and social infrastructure.”
