The Smart Energy Alliance is criticising the
Government’s secretive handling of its proposed LNG import
terminal, following the quiet disclosure that a preferred
supplier has been selected.
“This appears sneaky and
secretive, and is completely unacceptable for a project that
could impose significant long-term costs on New Zealand
households and businesses,” says Smart Energy Alliance
spokesperson Gareth Williams.
“Rather than making a
public announcement, the Government quietly disclosed this
major development through an update on a departmental
website, despite previously indicating that no contract
would be signed before the election.”
“It appears
the Government is trying to slide another significant step
towards an LNG terminal under the radar. If this is such a
good deal for New Zealand, why the secrecy?”
The
Alliance says fundamental questions remain
unanswered:
- Cost: What will the LNG terminal
cost, and who will ultimately pay? - Economics: Where
is the independently scrutinised business case comparing LNG
with solar, batteries, demand flexibility and other
alternatives? - Safety: Where are the publicly
available assessments of risks to nearby communities,
shipping, port operations and fisheries? - Timing: Why
advance such a contentious procurement process so close to
an election?
“The Government describes LNG as
an insurance policy for electricity consumers. But people
don’t generally buy insurance without knowing the premium,
the exclusions, or whether cheaper alternatives
exist.”
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Williams says preliminary safety assurances
are no substitute for public scrutiny of the underlying
evidence.
“Selecting a preferred supplier isn’t
the same as signing a contract, but it is a significant
decision that creates momentum towards one. It increasingly
looks as though the only thing missing is the
signature.
“Energy security is a critical national
infrastructure issue. Decisions of this magnitude demand
transparency, independent scrutiny and public
confidence—not quietly pushing ahead just before an
election.”
“The Government should not progress
commitments that could constrain an incoming Government’s
ability to properly assess the options.”
The
Alliance is calling for the immediate publication of the
economic and safety assessments, full disclosure of any
commitments already made, and confirmation that no binding
agreement will be signed before the election.
“New
Zealand needs genuine energy security, not simply an
expensive insurance policy for the gas industry, potentially
paid for by electricity consumers.
“Energy security
is too important to be negotiated in the shadows. If LNG
stacks up, the Government should prove
it.”
