Competition is exactly what the renewable energy target was meant to promote. It was effective in doing so. Of course, existing players in the market know that
The federal government’s energy white paper, released on Wednesday, might be “new”, but it is pushing the same old ideological agenda – justifying privatisation under the guise of greater competition.
Does the government really want more competition in electricity markets, though? The minister for industry, Ian Macfarlane, seems confused about this question.
Related: Climate change ignored in energy white paper that lets market rule future policy
The reason the electricity price is regulated in poles and wires is because there is no real competition.
Related: Australia needs the renewable energy target (and should increase it) | Alexander White