- Published:
- Friday 26 June 2015
The Andrews Labor Government has today outlined its vision for an energy efficient economy, launching the Energy Efficiency and Productivity Statement – Saving Energy, Growing Jobs.
The Statement, unveiled at a CEDA Energy Future event at Crown Towers Palladium, positions energy efficiency as a central driver to improving energy affordability, transitioning to a low-emissions economy and creating new jobs across the economy.
Based on extensive Government consultation with industry, consumer and environmental organisations, the Statement presents the Government’s policy direction for energy efficiency and sets the next steps. It features the following areas of priority action:
- Improving the efficiency and quality of our residential and commercial buildings
- Providing active support to relieve energy cost pressures on the most vulnerable
- Making Victorian businesses more productive and competitive
- Government leadership and best practice
- Harnessing markets to ensure broad uptake of energy efficiency
- Creating new Victorian energy efficiency jobs and supporting existing ones
New Energy Technology is one of the six industries with the potential for extraordinary growth, as outlined with the Government’s Future Industries Fund.
The Statement complements measures to fast-track the development of renewable energy generation in Victoria through the Renewable Energy Action Plan, and measures to support consumers in financial hardship, which are the subject of an Essential Services Commission inquiry into energy retailers’ hardship policies.
The Statement can be downloaded from the website of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources at www.energyandresources.vic.gov.au/energy/environment-and-community/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-and-productivity-statement(opens in a new window)
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy & Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio
“Our vision for a low-emissions economy is about saving energy, growing jobs and protecting our environment. We’re determined to get Victoria back on track to becoming an international leader in energy efficiency.”
“It is time to capture the full value of our energy use. Opportunities for cost-effective and affordable energy efficiency exist across the Victorian economy and we already have the technology, skills and services to make improvements now.”
“By taking action to reduce the energy needs of homes, businesses and government buildings, we can improve living affordability, grow economic productivity and reduce the impact on the environment.”