Australians are being invited to have their say on a strategy to ease energy bill pressures, improve energy reliabilities and reduce emissions.
With a discussion paper prepared by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen said improving energy efficiency was crucial to easing the cost of living pressures.
Mr Bowen said the Department was seeking feedback on its paper which discussed energy efficiency targets; residential, commercial and industrial sectors; and supply chains and the workforce.
“Australian households and businesses are now paying the price for the immoral invasion of Ukraine as well as a decade of delay, denial and failed energy policies,” Mr Bowen said.
“The Government is working to ensure all households and businesses can access affordable energy and our National Energy Performance Strategy is another avenue to make that happen.”
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Jenny McAllister said better energy performance was key to taking pressure off energy bills, the energy system and the climate.
“The benefits of improved energy performance for all Australians are there waiting to be grasped” Ms McAllister said.
“We want to support affordable energy for Australians, ensuring no one gets left behind, while taking strong action on climate change,” she said.
“Action on the demand-side of the market will mean Australians can take control of their energy use.”
Ms McAllister said this was an issue directly affecting the health and welfare of the nation, including low-income and disadvantaged households, and regional communities.
Comment on the Department’s 16-page Discussion Paper National Energy Performance Strategy, will be accepted until 3 February 2023.
The Paper can be accessed at this PS News link.
