Answers to Questions

ELECTRICITY PRICES, COOBER PEDY

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (19 May 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): The Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy is advised:

1. The Government had spoken with the District Council of Coober Pedy on a number of occasions in 2010 and in broad terms indicated a tariff increase was likely. As it was to be considered by Cabinet, Officers were unable to discuss specific details until approval was given by the government for the tariff revisions in February 2011.

2. No, the Government will not withdraw the increase.

3. The cost to the Government for the work done by KPMG was just over $80,000.

As a result of the report, further work is being done to assess the opportunity to connect Coober Pedy and Andamooka to the national grid. The cost of the report is very small compared to the potential savings if grid connection is possible.