Power Infrastructure

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:38): Can the minister confirm to this house that, when he sent the message to the media that specifically said that Pelican Point was generating, it was in fact generating?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:38): I think there needs to be a lesson in understanding what it means for the National Electricity Market to say that you are available. The way the market works is there is obviously a spot price. These generators are staffed, they are ready to go and they are ready to generate, and they make decisions based on market conditions about when they operate.

Previous to the July event, Pelican Point were out: they weren't monitoring the market, they weren't available to generate, they weren't participating in the NEM. What occurred yesterday was that a journalist on radio said that we would have to beg Pelican Point to come online again. Pelican Point was available yesterday: it had gas contracts, it was ready generate, and it was participating in the National Electricity Market ready to offer when market conditions suited. When we needed it, it was there.

It is not my fault that the Leader of the Opposition does not understand how the National Electricity Market works. It's like saying Torrens Island is available but not generating. That means it's not on. Of course it's on: it is there to provide for its customers, as was ENGIE and Pelican Point. Most importantly, when we needed Pelican Point, they were available. Pre the July event, Pelican would not have been available to come on, I am advised. I stand to be corrected on that, but that is the advice that I received.

Mr Wingard interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Mitchell will leave the chamber for the next hour for persistently interjecting after receiving all his warnings.

The honourable member for Mitchell having withdrawn from the chamber: