Queensland to be left in the dark ?  

The Brisbane Times has an article on possible electricity shortages emerging in Queensland - Queensland to be left in the dark.

Warnings that Queensland could experience power shortages in two years proved the need for a carbon tax, according to the Climate Institute.

But the state government and energy provider Origin have denied the state is at risk of power shortages as argued by the Australian Energy Market Operator.

Its Electricity Statement of Opportunities report found Queensland would be the first jurisdiction in Australia to experience shortages if it failed to attract more investment in power stations.

Climate Institute CEO John Connor said the report warned uncertainty over the carbon tax could deter or distort energy investments costing electricity consumers up to $5 billion in higher bills.

"It's clear that the best possible outcome for electricity consumers is decisive action from our politicians to cut our carbon emissions by putting a price on carbon," Mr Connor said.

"Without a pollution price and the clarity of the renewable energy target, investors will try and second guess government policy, make inefficient decisions or delay investment and this will increase electricity costs.

"A pollution price will be a green light for the electricity sector to get on with the job of building the infrastructure needed to provide clean energy power for Australians."

A spokesman for electricity company Origin responded to questions with a short statement saying the company was "well placed to underpin our positions in Queensland".

Energy Minister Stephen Robertson also said Queensland was "well placed" to have the electricity generating capacity to meet the energy demands of a fast-growing state.

‘‘Queensland is fortunate to have a number of large-scale energy project proposals that should ensure we meet energy demand in 2013-14 and beyond,’’ he said in a statement.

“These include ERM Power Ltd’s 500 megawatt Braemar 3 gas power station, Origin Energy’s 500 megawatt Darling Downs Stage 2 gas-fired project and the 44 megawatt solar thermal project at the Kogan Creek power station.’’