Marshall Government welcomes the acceleration of the SA-NSW interconnector

The Marshall Liberal Government has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement accelerating delivery of the critical $1.5 billion Project Energy Connect interconnector. This significant energy project in South Australia will deliver cheaper and more reliable energy for the South Australia and New South Wales.

This crucial project will create jobs and unlock further investment in renewable generation in SA, and the announcement is well timed to support economic recovery from the global coronavirus pandemic.

The interconnector will also pave the way for new projects such as Neoen’s mammoth $3 billion Goyder Project near Burra.

Minister for Energy and Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the interconnector will stabilise the grid and address the legacy of blackouts left by the old Labor government.

“The interconnector will lead to cleaner, more reliable and more affordable energy for people across our state,” said the Minister.

““The Australian Energy Market Operator has deemed the SA-NSW Interconnector ‘critical’ and a ‘no regrets’ project to address SA Labor’s legacy of blackouts.

“It’s time for Labor to swallow its pride, admit that it was wrong, and get on board with the SA-NSW Interconnector.

“Peter Malinauskas should stop standing in the way of cheaper, cleaner and reliable electricity for South Australians.

“ESCOSA’s annual report into power prices records a $158 savings on electricity bills for households in the last two financial years and shows the Marshall Government is on track to deliver its promise to cut electricity bills by $302 over four years.”

Modelling shows that small and medium businesses with significant electricity consumption will save many thousands of dollars each year when the interconnector is complete.

The interconnector will also deliver an average $66 saving for households.