Tony Wood

2 weeks ago | theconversation.com | Nicole Hasham |Daniel J Cass |John Quiggin |Magnus Söderberg |Samantha Hepburn |Tony Wood

Debate over high energy bills and the broader cost-of-living crisis have been central to the federal election campaigns of the major parties. Both Labor and the Coalition say their energy policies are the best way to bring household power costs down – but which side is right? The Coalition has pledged to build seven nuclear reactors at the sites of former coal plants, should it win government.

Aug 26, 2024 | theconversation.com | Tony Wood

This week, outgoing Senex Energy chief executive Ian Davies made headlines when he warned within a few short years, Australia won’t have enough gas to meet our demand, due largely to government inaction and intervention. This is both true and not true. Australia-wide, there is no shortage of gas. We’re the world’s second largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), after all. Critics see the purported supply crisis as a move by the industry to open up new gas fields.

Jun 17, 2024 | theconversation.com | Tony Wood

Opposition leader Peter Dutton’s talk of stepping back from Australia’s 2030 emissions targets has created confusion and concern on several fronts, and sparked vigorous political debate over our pathway to a carbon-free future. Over the weekend, Dutton claimed Labor’s renewable energy commitment was behind steep electricity price hikes in recent years. His comments prompted a rebuke from Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who described the claims as “mind bogglingly absurd”.

Mar 19, 2024 | theconversation.com | Tony Wood

Electricity customers in four Australian states can breathe a sigh of relief. After two years in a row of 20% price increases, power prices have finally stabilised. In many places they’re going down. The good news is contained in two separate draft decisions today by the Australian Energy Regulator and Victoria’s Essential Services Commission, on the maximum price energy retailers can charge electricity consumers under a specific plan that must be offered to all consumers.

Feb 7, 2024 | theconversation.com | Tony Wood

Wholesale power prices are falling steeply in Australia, following two years of surging prices after the Ukraine war triggered an energy crisis. New data shows annualised spot prices for power in Australia’s main grid fell by about 50% in 2023. That brings the cost of wholesale power down towards the levels seen in 2021. Is that good news for consumers? It will be – but not yet. Energy retailers buy most of their power in advance at set prices, accepting higher average prices for less volatility.