Page 2278 - Week 06 - Thursday, 6 June 2019
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energy consumption to date has been manageable, it is important that beyond 2020 we closely monitor how much electricity is being consumed in the ACT.
During a briefing on this bill, directorate officials suggested that the demand for electricity would be flat over the next decade. That is something that will need to be monitored closely. The government has emissions reduction ambitions which will likely result in greater demands on the electricity grid, whether that be the uptake of electric vehicles or light rail running on electricity.
Future governments will also need to factor in that the ACT is a fast growing jurisdiction, notwithstanding our excellent record on uptake of efficient energy use. However, with our typically hot summers and cold winters we rely more heavily on heating and cooling systems than many other cities. Even with increased efficiency in how we use electricity there will undoubtedly be increases in total electricity consumption in the territory. It is crucial that the government be adequately prepared for this. The Canberra Liberals acknowledge this risk and expect that future governments will closely follow this issue.
I thank the minister for the briefing that was provided to the shadow minister, Ms Lee, and her staff last week, and close by saying that the Canberra Liberals support this bill. By doing so, we confirm our commitment to responsible renewable electricity use in the ACT.
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Social Inclusion and Equality, Minister for Tourism and Special Events and Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment) (5.22): I am pleased to rise in support of this bill, which reaffirms the government’s commitment to using 100 per cent renewable electricity in the ACT by 2020 and in each and every year after that. This target has previously been set by a disallowable instrument, but with the passage of this bill today we will enshrine our commitment in legislation.
In less than two years from today we will be 100 per cent powered by renewable electricity, and this is a great achievement for our city. It is possible because since 2016 we have brought on line nine new wind and solar facilities which provide 620 megawatts of renewable power. We have also supported nearly 300 low income households to install their own rooftop solar, supported more than 1,000 smart battery systems in Canberra households and helped more than 27,000 households and businesses to use energy more efficiently through programs like the home energy advice service and the energy efficiency improvement scheme.
We will be the first jurisdiction in Australia, and one of the first cities of our size around the world, to achieve this milestone. When it comes to creating a renewable energy future we are a national and international leader. We have set this goal, and we have stuck to it despite there being some very strong pushback from forces outside the ACT.
We did this because we know that it is the right thing to do. It is the right thing for every future Canberran. Whilst the federal government has spent the last six years studiously avoiding action on climate change, we have spent that time getting on with
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