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Category: Electricity Energy and Utilities / States and Territories

Industrial action could worsen Tasmanian power crisis: Union

Thursday, 25 Feb 2016 04:35:30

There is still no firm date for the Basslink repairs to be completed, leaving Tasmania reliant on dwindling hydro power and diesel generators. (Supplied: Basslink)

The installation of 200 diesel generators to provide relief during Tasmania's power crisis could be affected by industrial action, a union has warned.

TasNetworks employees were to install the generators to make up any shortfall caused by a broken Basslink cable, which imports power from interstate.

The generators were expected to be operational by March 8, supplying 12 per cent of the state's power.

But TasNetworks workers have been carrying out rolling work stoppages since negotiations over pay and conditions broke down last year.

Communications Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) state secretary Trevor Gauld said the industrial action could affect the installation of the generators.

"Absolutely, the industrial activities have the potential to significantly impact on any of the work TasNetworks performs including the connection of the generators," he said.

He said TasNetworks was warned of the industrial action in December.

"They've had ample time to put in measures to avert or mitigate any risk," he said.

A spokeswoman for TasNetworks said the company would do all it could to minimise any flow on from industrial action to consumers.

"TasNetworks has asked the CEPU to give consideration to the current energy supply situation when planning industrial action," she said.

Government underestimating energy crisis: Greens

The Tasmanian Government hopes winter rains will prevent Hydro dam levels falling below 13.6 per cent and reduce the reliance on diesel generators.

But Greens spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the Government's projections were based on average rainfall, despite recent record dry conditions.

"What could the worst case scenario be?" she said.

"I think it is fair to look at a minimum amount of rainfall.

"At the moment, what they're working on is average rainfall. Now we're clearly not in an average normal year."

Energy minister Matthew Groom said Basslink was making progress.

"They have indicated they are getting closer to making a decision as to where to cut the cable," he said

Basslink is expected to make a public update on the repair timetable within days.

AustraliaPlus


 

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