Consumers have saved $7.5 billion through the Economic Regulation Authority's tight leash on major utilities, according to chair Nicky Cusworth, but work is needed to make the state's rules regime more effective.
Appointing a senior minister to manage reform of business licensing and sunset clauses would assist the state government control the proliferation of permits that tie-up enterprises, according to a review released today.
State-owned Western Power will need to trim operating costs by about $100 million more than planned over the next five years under the Economic Regulation Authority's latest draft access arrangements released last night.
The number of new gas and power connections in Western Australia fell in the year to June, an outcome of the slowing property development market, according to the Economic Regulation Authority.
A further 4 per cent rise in metropolitan water usage charges will be needed for the 2019 financial year to ensure pricing is cost reflective, according to a draft report by the Economic Regulation Authority.
Department of State Development deputy director general, strategic policy Nicky Cusworth has been appointed chair of the Economic Regulation Authority for a five year term.
Energy Minister Mike Nahan's launch today of the first review of the state electricity market since Western Power was disaggregated in 2006 has drawn a mixed response.
