Tasmanian Greens push for smart meters in Tasmania
So the Tasmanian Greens, totally ignorant of the smart meter health controversy, have pushed the state government into spending $200,000 to investigate the use of “smart grid” technology in Tasmania, and if independent consultants recommend the introduction of a smart grid for Tasmania, the Government will commit $10 million towards the project.
Well, I wonder how they will address the health effects issue for I sure as hell will be making them aware of it. Perhaps the government should allocate some of the $200,000 to investigate the health issue?
And I wonder just whom the so called independent consultants will be?
Stay tuned for more!
Don
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From the Mercury:
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/11/14/366004_tasmania-news.html
Energy reform gets Green light
SALLY GLAETZER | November 14, 2012 12.01am
THE State Government has reached a deal with the Greens to ensure its new energy reform laws are passed, paving the way for competition in the electricity market. The Government won the Greens’ support yesterday by agreeing to spend $200,000 investigating the use of “smart grid” technology in Tasmania.
Smart grids and smart meters in homes work by allowing consumers to switch off certain appliances during the “peak load” periods when power prices are highest. “For example, when you’re doing your cooking, don’t have your hot water operating,” Energy Minister Bryan Green said yesterday.
If independent consultants recommend the introduction of a smart grid for Tasmania, the Government will commit $10 million towards the project.
The legislation tabled yesterday will allow for the sale of Aurora’s customer base, ahead of plans to open up the electricity market to interstate companies and hopefully drive down the price of power through competition. Greens energy spokesman Kim Booth admitted his party had little bargaining power and had been forced to abandon a wish list, including the mothballing of the Tamar Valley power station, selling Hydro subsidiaries and setting up three trading rooms inside Hyrdo to encourage wholesale electricity competition.
Mr Booth said Labor’s proposal was the “least worst” option and would at least deliver “constraint” on prices. “The big losers out of this are the Tasmanian public who won’t actually get the best electricity system,” he said.
He said another minor concession from the Government was an agreement to “have a look at” energy concessions for pensioners. Mr Green said the legislation would protect the entitlements of Aurora’s retail employees who might lose their jobs in the sale.
sally.glaetzer@news.com.au
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