This article is 16 years old. Images might not display.
The Unsworth report endorses the NSW Government plan for restructuring the state's electricity sector.
Under the plan announced in December last year, the state's power generators would be leased and electricity retailers sold.
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia executive director Garry Bowditch said the much needed reform is in the interest of providing a sustainable electricity sector for the future.
"What is critical is that the NSW Government puts the sector on a sustainable footing, protecting taxpayers, consumers, workers and the environment," he said.
"It's now time for unions and other ideological opponents to get out of the way, and let the Government get on with the job of safeguarding the state's electricity security for the decades ahead."
Bowditch also said union-led opposition is out of step, according to an opinion poll commissioned by the national infrastructure body.
The AusPoll found 72% of NSW residents are prepared to accept electricity from privately operated power companies compared to 25% of residents who believe it is important the electricity sector is run by the Government.
"The case for reform has been clearly and unequivocally made. The Owen Inquiry, the NSW Government's response, and now the Unsworth Review have all found that reform is critical and urgent.
According to the IPA, removing government involvement with the sector would save the state $26 billion required under a "retain and invest" scenario.
