Energy Security

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:58): My question is to the Minister for Energy. Does the minister agree with AEMO, which reported yesterday in regard to energy security in South Australia this summer that, 'AEMO will probably have insufficient resources to cover both demand and reserves. Involuntary shedding of load may be required to make the system secure?'

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:58): Can I just say that was beautifully selective quoting again. It was excellent. Well done. I give great credit to the shadow minister. Lucky for us, we have—

Mr Pisoni interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley is on a full set of warnings.

The Hon. P. Caica: You've said that twice, sir.

The SPEAKER: I have.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Lucky for us, we have 276 megawatts of South Australian reserve. Lucky we have a battery in Jamestown. Lucky we have abundant solar reserves. Lucky we have wind power generation.

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: But of course, you just heard the interjection from the Leader of the Opposition, 'Are you sure?' Well, yes, while Labor is in office, we will have a generator owned by South Australians. What we can't be assured of is that if we lose the election, members opposite won't privatise the generator again. So we have our reserves, and if we need to use them, we will.