The Smart Energy Council is deeply disappointed with the NSW government’s decision to extend the life of the privately owned Eraring coal-fired power station.

“Up to $450 million of taxpayer money to a company that bought the unreliable, polluting coal plant for $50 million is quite literally burning money, and not a solution,” Smart Energy Council Chief Executive John Grimes said.

“The NSW government needs to fix this mess.”

“The NSW Government must speed up planning approval processes and deliver a comprehensive consumer energy strategy,  including support for home batteries.”

“The Australian Energy Market Operator needs to step up and significantly fast track the commissioning of renewable energy projects that are already in the pipeline.”

“This can never happen again, it’s time to get moving on the energy transition.” 

“The people of NSW have every right to be utterly disappointed with today’s decision.”

“For at least 18 months, Australia’s renewable energy industry has been warning the NSW Government and regulators that they need to expedite approvals of renewable energy projects.”