Removal of carbon tax will not necessarily save household expenses
Experts reject Coalition claims of carbon tax savings The Age October 16, 2013 Peter Hannam Carbon economy editor Experts have rejected claims by the Abbott government that household expenses would be significantly smaller after a repeal of the carbon tax…….Hugh Saddler, a principal consultant for energy analysts, Pitt & Sherry, said it had been “almost impossible” to see the carbon price footprint when it was introduced, and it will be no easier to tell the response if it is removed……
Gas price surge
While consumers will see a benefit from lower electricity prices if the carbon price is eliminated, the benefit is likely to be dwarfed by other changes in energy prices, said Tony Wood, director of Grattan Institute’s energy program.
Wholesale gas prices will double in coming years, adding about $170 a year to average Victorian household bills, and up to about $100 for other states less dependent on gas for heating, said Mr Wood…….
A much bigger impact, though, is likely if the Australian Energy Regulator adjusts the investment returns it permits for network spending on new poles and wires. The so-called “gold plating” contributed about half the increase of electricity prices over the past five years.
“Network prices should actually be coming down,” dragging power prices with them, Mr Wood said.
Opponents wrongly attributed all the increase in energy prices to the introduction of the carbon price, Mr Wood said. “You can hardly claim all the credit if [energy prices] go down.” http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/experts-reject-coalition-claims-of-carbon-tax-savings-20131016-2vmts.html#ixzz2i0BxzeCi
No comments yet.
1 This month
of the week – Disrupting War & Militarism in Oceania. Active solidarity. Radical practice.
Antinuclear 
Leave a comment