Senate Proposals Increase Risk And Energy Bills

A new Senate Inquiry report may see higher costs for energy consumers with increased regulatory risk.

The Interim Report of a Senate Committee on Performance and management of electricity network companies recommends an expert review of regulation to allow network assets to be written down.

Energy Networks Association CEO John Bradley said the Committee had provided no analysis of the costs and benefits to consumers of the higher risk, regulatory framework.

“Evidence continues to show regulatory risk is the number one concern for energy investors in Australia – and sovereign risk is becoming an increasing focus,” Mr Bradley said.