Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for the immediate dismissal of Energy Minister Chris Bowen over his “total failure” in the portfolio.
Mr Dutton blamed the Albanese government for failing to deliver its election promise to cut power bills after the energy regulator flagged price increases up to nine per cent.
The Australian Energy Regulator warned bills will rise following “pressures” in the cost of producing electricity as the Albanese government pursues its all-renewables policy.
“It’s abundantly clear to all Australians now that the government’s renewables-only energy policy is a disaster for families and for all businesses,” Mr Dutton said.
“We find out today that because of Anthony Albanese’s energy policy, your electricity bill is going to go up by 9 per cent. That is another 9 per cent.
“That is not a $275 cut, which is what the Prime Minister promised you before the last election. It is now a $1300 increase in your electricity bill.”
Mr Dutton was scathing in his assessment of Mr Bowen’s performance as Energy Minister, declaring that he should be sacked immediately.
“I think it’s time for Chris Bowen to be sacked. And I think the Prime Minister should accept that Chris Bowen has been a total failure as energy minister,” he said.
The Opposition Leader also took aim at the government’s broader energy strategy, which focuses on transitioning to an all-renewables energy grid.
He argued that a balanced and sensible energy policy would reduce pressure on electricity prices.
“We have to have a balanced and sensible energy system and if we do that we can bring downward pressure on energy prices,” Mr Dutton said.
The Coalition recently commissioned independent analysis which claimed that its energy plan, with nuclear, would be 44 per cent cheaper than Labor’s plan.
The price increases have added to financial pressures for families as record numbers of households have applied for financial hardship programs.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has defended his governments commitment to the energy transition and blamed higher prices on global factors.
“It’s clear energy bills for Australians remain too high, and we’re providing help for people doing it tough as we deliver longer-term reform,” Mr Bowen said.
“Well of course policies were modelled in 2020 and 2021 and of course we’ve seen energy price spikes right around the world since then,” Mr Bowen said.
“If you are planning on keeping coal in the grid for longer, that puts upward pressure on prices.”
As the low-cost generators of brown and black coal are retired the wholesale price of energy will, more often, be set by the higher prices of gas, hydro power and batteries.
Despite the government’s efforts, including a $300 energy bill relief payment for struggling households, the price hikes have put additional strain on families.
Mr Bowen flagged the possibility of using further taxpayer dollars to provide energy bill relief at the upcoming federal budget.
“We will always consider what more can be done. There’s a budget coming soon and we’ll continue that approach of considering what more we can do,” he said.
More to come.
