Australia: Gas industry braces for inquiry into competition

Gas producers are bracing for an inquiry into competition in gas supply expected to be announced as part of a far-reaching Energy white paper, to be released by Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane on Wednesday.

The paper, intended to act as a blueprint for an integrated energy policy, also looks set to reignite a battle between the federal government and state governments in NSW and Victoria, which are stalling on the development of much-needed onshore gas resources.

It will also propose measures to put downward pressure on electricity prices through privatisation and deregulation, improve consumer choice and lift energy productivity.

The white paper follows the release of a green paper in September, which canvassed views on measures to pursue tariff reform in electricity distribution, improve the efficiency of network investment and remove unnecessary regulatory barriers.

But concerns about a looming gas shortage on the east coast has propelled the issue of gas supply up the agenda in recent months.

Full Content: The Australian

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