The NSW Public Accounts Committee is expected to release a report on its Inquiry into the Economics of Energy Generation towards the end of next week.
The Committee's inquiry has examined the generation of electricity in New South Wales, including issues relating to long term energy security and the potential for alternative forms of energy generation.
The Committee's Chair, Jonathan O'Dea MP, emphasised that "energy security and rising electricity prices are serious issues that affect everyone. From the outset of this inquiry the Committee has been determined to consider all of the options available to provide affordable, sustainable and secure energy for consumers over time."
Key issues addressed during the inquiry and covered in the Committee's final report include: the role of electricity demand management measures, electricity prices, energy security, coal seam gas, carbon capture and storage, nuclear energy and renewable energy generation.
"During the course of this inquiry, the Committee has heard from electricity generators, distribution network providers, electricity retailers, government agencies, environmental and consumer groups, as well as other experts in the field," said Mr O'Dea, "Balancing the views of such disparate parties, while keeping focused on providing efficient outcomes that will benefit electricity consumers, has been our central goal throughout the inquiry."
An innovative feature of this inquiry has been the Committee's work, together with the NewDemocracy Foundation, in undertaking a deliberative democracy process involving Citizens' Juries to canvass the views of the public about alternative sources of energy.
Mr O'Dea said, "This innovative project proved invaluable in helping inform the Committee of the public's educated views on different types of energy generation and other aspects of managing electricity, such as demand management initiatives."
