Electricity Generation

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:45): My question is again to the Minister for Energy. Will the minister commit to providing at least weekly public updates on the operation of the diesel generators, including electricity delivered into the grid, wholesale prices charged for that electricity, operating cost of the generators and environmental emissions caused by the generators?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:45): Importantly, we are compelled to because AEMO will be dispatching the operations of the generator. We can't dispatch in secret, but you would think members opposite would know that. We have to be there in the market and we have to be available in lieu of load shedding. Whenever we dispatch, under whatever conditions we dispatch, it will be public, and I would have thought that the shadow minister would know that. I thought he would know that. I have to say that it is terribly embarrassing that he does not know that and is forced to ask a question.

Secondly, when it comes to emissions, these generators that are operating on diesel or gas meet all EPA requirements. Of course, it depends again on the conditions under which they will be dispatched. If the market is suspended, publication will be made by the AEMO about the nature of our dispatch, for how long. We will absolutely make all those public because they will be visible on the board because all dispatches are done publicly. When clearances are made, when generators bid into the market, they will know. But again, you would think that the shadow minister would know that given that we are five minutes to the next election and he aims to be energy minister.