Minister for Energy, David Llewellyn, says the forced temporary shut-down of the Bell Bay power station again highlights the vital importance of the Basslink connection.
“Bell Bay is often turned off when it isn’t needed but with the drought resulting in seriously low dam levels, Basslink plays a major role in keeping Tasmanians out of the dark.
“The problems at Esso’s Victorian gas facility have given Hydro Tasmania a significant challenge, but they are now well-equipped to manage the challenges.
“For anyone who has ever doubted Basslink, this incident is a signal message; without it Tasmania’s power supply is considerably less robust.”
Mr Llewellyn said Hydro Tasmania were prudently managing their way through a difficult circumstance without a hiccup in their delivery of energy to the State.
“Without Basslink, Tasmania went through power rationing and massive damage to the economy in the late sixties.”
“We are no longer in that position of vulnerability.
“The diversification of our energy supply sources – regularly criticised by both major opposition parties – has been completely vindicated again by this incident.”
Mr Llewellyn said the shutdown of the ESSO plant at this stage would have no effect on businesses and homes drawing on gas.
“We are monitoring the situation closely, but the advice we have at this stage is that there is the supply of gas will be maintained to all other Tasmanian consumers.”
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