Guy Barnett has today admitted the Premier's flagship business energy hardship scheme will only help a fraction of Tasmania's businesses suffering from significantly higher energy recontracting costs.
As a recent report from the Tasmanian Economic Regulator shows, Aurora Energy has approximately 5,000 business customers on market contracts.
In many cases these businesses are seeing their energy costs triple.
Minister Barnett claims there are only 2,100 businesses that consume over 150 MWH annually in Tasmania. This means the other 3,000 odd business on market contracts – many of which have recontracted during this period of higher prices - won't be eligible to even apply for assistance.
The fact also remains that the Government has budgeted to assist just 300 businesses state-wide.
Embarrassing though it may be, the Premier should revise his flagship policy for a second time.
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Energy & Emissions Reduction
