Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

Of course, there are multiple reports out today from our energy regulators, including the one the member refers to. But the figures I was referring to were comparing energy prices today compared to election day, which is what I was asked. I apologise for using the frame that was put to me by the Leader of the Opposition. That was what I was asked to compare, and that's what I did. There are a number of reports out today, and if the honourable member wants to ask me about reports, I'm happy to refer to them, like the Australian Market Commission, which said:

… residential electricity prices in the National Electricity Market (NEM) could be around 13% lower in ten years' time if renewable energy and infrastructure development proceed as expected.

or the Australian Energy Market Operator, who said:

… the … ISP confirms that renewable energy, connected by transmission and distribution, firmed with storage and backed up by gas-powered generation, is the lowest-cost way to supply electricity to homes and businesses as Australia transitions to a net zero economy.

And do you know what is interesting about renewable energy, backed by gas peaking, backed by storage? That's exactly the plan of the Albanese government; that's exactly the plan that we are implementing, a plan recommended and designed by Australian experts for Australian conditions. That's exactly what we are going about delivering. If the honourable member wants to know about expert reports, I'm happy to keep going. The CSIRO has found that renewables, including costs associated with additional storage and transmission, remain the lowest-cost, lowest-build technology.

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