Australia's Energy Costs Set to Surge: A New Look at AEMO's Roadmap
Australia's Energy Costs Set to Surge: A New Look at AEMO's Roadmap
3
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Australia is on the cusp of facing some of the world's highest energy prices as detailed in the latest roadmap from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
This plan, designed to facilitate the country's energy transition, reveals significant challenges and potential pitfalls ahead.
A concerning issue highlighted in the report is the danger of coal power stations retiring before replacement generation is ready. AEMO stresses that integrating renewable energy sources sooner is crucial for a secure transition.
However, the term "secure" can be subjective. While renewable energy and storage solutions may take time to fully implement, the role of gas in setting energy prices remains substantial. The roadmap suggests that gas capacity might need to increase, moving from the current 11.5GW to 15GW by 2050.
Importantly, this proposed gas generation would serve as a strategic reserve, only running at about 5% of its annual potential but playing a critical role when needed. Hence, securing a stable gas supply appears essential for avoiding an energy crisis.
Recently, a significant gas project in Queensland received the green light from the federal government, paving the way for fossil fuel production by the end of next year. This $1 billion project by Senex Energy, backed by South Korean steel giant Posco and Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting, revives heated debates around the role of gas in Australia's energy strategy.
Despite high hopes, this new gas supply might have limited impact on easing local gas prices. Some of the gas will be exported, potentially replacing local supply that could have stayed domestically.
When it comes to domestic gas prices, Australia's Resources Minister, Madeleine King, has acknowledged that prices might rise but argues they won't exceed the government's set cap. However, recently, gas prices have consistently stayed above this cap, hitting their second-highest price point this week alone.
Pre-COVID-19, electricity prices hovered around $50-60MWh, but post-pandemic they average near $150MWh. This steep rise signifies an urgent need to address the domestic energy supply and market dynamics effectively.
The AEMO’s roadmap brings to light an essential discussion point: Without strategic amendments and potentially a nationwide gas reservation policy, Australian energy prices could skyrocket-impacting not just the economy but everyday life.
The outlook hints at a possible global gas glut by mid-decade that might offer some financial respite. Yet, without significant policy shifts to contain the influence of the gas supply cartel, Australians should brace for some steep energy bills.
This perspective draws from AEMO's biennial update while exploring broader implications. As the nation grapples with this transformative phase, addressing energy security and affordability remains paramount.
Published:Thursday, 27th Jun 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has recently introduced its Finance Industry Code of Practice, marking a significant advancement in the non-bank lending and specialist banking sectors. This pioneering initiative aims to establish a new standard for integrity, transparency, and fairness within the industry. - read more
Australia is currently experiencing a housing 'super cycle,' characterised by a substantial increase in demand for new homes. This surge is driven by a chronic undersupply of housing, demographic shifts, and evolving lifestyle preferences. For mortgage brokers, this trend presents a unique opportunity to expand their client base and services. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
Australian non-bank lender Moneytech has announced a strategic integration with Xero, the global small business accounting platform. This partnership aims to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a more efficient and streamlined process for accessing working capital. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is currently assessing whether further reductions in interest rates are necessary, following recent economic data indicating increased consumer spending and persistent inflation in certain sectors. This evaluation comes after the RBA's decision to hold the cash rate steady at 3.60% in September, subsequent to three cuts earlier in the year. - read more
The Federal Court of Australia has issued permanent injunctions against Cigno Australia Pty Ltd and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd, preventing them from engaging in unlicensed credit activities and charging prohibited fees. This ruling follows findings that, between July 2022 and October 2023, the companies provided loans totaling $34 million to over 100,000 consumers, while charging fees exceeding $70 million, all without holding an Australian Credit Licence. - read more
Australia is experiencing a surge in investments in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as the nation aggressively pursues its goal of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030. This transition, driven by rapid expansion of solar and wind infrastructure and the closure of coal plants, has created a growing demand for flexible energy storage solutions. - read more
Recent data reveals a significant resurgence in property investor activity within Australia's mortgage market. In the three months leading up to June 2025, investor loans accounted for 38% of new mortgages, marking the highest proportion since 2017. This uptick translates to nearly 50,000 loans valued at approximately $33 billion. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial health. The report concludes that Australia's financial system remains well-positioned to navigate the current global economic uncertainties. - read more
In a strategic move to streamline operations, ANZ Bank has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 3,500 employees by September 2026. This decision is part of the bank's broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and reduce redundancy within its organisational structure. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has reported a record full-year cash profit of A$10.25 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This impressive financial performance is attributed to robust growth in both home and business lending sectors. - read more
Soft inquiries are a type of credit check that does not impact your credit score. These checks occur when you or a company reviews your credit report as part of a background check, pre-approval process, or other non-lending purpose. - read more
As we navigate the complexities of today's economy, the significance of credit can scarcely be overstated. Whether we're considering a home mortgage, a new car, or managing our personal finances, our credit health often dictates the terms and accessibility of financial support. A robust credit score can open doors to favorable loan terms and rates, while a poor score can narrow our options and cost us more in the long run. - read more
Managing debt effectively is crucial for young adults, especially as they start building their financial independence. Understanding how to manage debt properly can help you avoid financial pitfalls and set you up for a stable future. - read more
When it comes to securing a loan, the terms you agree to can have a lasting impact on your financial wellness. It's crucial to strike a balance between finding a loan that fits your needs and maintaining a healthy credit score. This delicate equilibrium is where loan comparison tools come into play, serving as navigational aids in the vast sea of credit options. - read more
Loan approval can often be a crucial milestone in achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to buy a home, pay for education, or consolidate debt, securing a loan can provide the financial boost you need to move forward. - read more
When embarking on the journey to secure financing, particularly for significant purchases such as a car, your credit score takes center stage in the eyes of lenders. A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, derived from your financial history and behaviors. It wields substantial influence on your ability to acquire loans with favorable terms. - read more
Your credit score is a crucial part of your financial health. Essentially, it’s a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, calculated based on your credit history. In Australia, credit scores range from 0 to 1200, with a higher score indicating better creditworthiness. - read more
Financial stress can feel like an unstoppable force, a cycle of worry that impacts not only our peace of mind but also our fiscal health. It represents the anxiety and pressure associated with the inability to meet financial obligations, be it due to unforeseen expenses, unemployment, or a plethora of other reasons. - read more
Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for anyone looking to secure their financial future. A good credit score can open doors to better loan rates, more favourable credit card terms, and even housing opportunities. It's something that impacts many major financial decisions you make in life. Without a solid score, you might end up paying more in interest and find it harder to get approval for the things you really need. - read more
Choosing the right loan can be a pivotal decision in your personal financial journey. In Australia, where a diverse range of loan options is available, selecting the loan that aligns perfectly with your needs is more crucial than ever. A judicious choice can help you fulfill your dreams—be it buying a new home, investing in education, or consolidating debt—while ensuring that the repayments remain manageable and do not lead to financial strain. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare
rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Bridging Finance: A short-term loan that covers a financial shortfall during time between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an old property.