Backdropped against Opposition party moves to roll back the proposed break up of Western Power, and the recent electricity outages in the state during a recent heatwave, the Chamber said it fully supports the implementation of reforms aimed at introducing further competition to the power sector in Western Australia.
The energy intensive nature of resources processing means that the sector relies heavily on a reliable and low cost energy supply to ensure that it remains globally competitive.
"An enormous effort has gone into developing a framework for electricity reform that meets the needs of Western Australian businesses and the community as a whole by reducing electricity costs and increasing the reliability of the electricity system," said CME Chief Executive Tim Shanahan.
"The reform package has been built on competitive principles introduced by the previous Government, is essentially cautious and robust and contains numerous safeguards.
Independent advice has shown that electricity reform of this nature will not only work for Western Australia but bring with it major benefits."
Both this Government and the previous Government have openly recognised the importance of competition as a driver to greater efficiencies within Western Power.
After more than a decade of public debate on the importance of electricity reform to Western Australia's future as a competitive investment location, it will be disappointing if the lack of agreement on the need for further reform compromises an historic opportunity.
"We are hopeful that bipartisan support for reforms that guarantee a level playing field for business competing in the electricity industry and consequently a low cost and reliable energy supply for Western Australia can be achieved when Parliament resumes.
