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Inquiry Details

Merger of country energy distributors

MEDIA RELEASE 21 March 2001 COMMITTEE CALLS FOR PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS ON COUNTRY ENERGY INQUIRY The Chairman of the NSW Parliament’s Standing Committee on State Development, the Hon Tony Kelly MLC, today called for public submissions on the committee’s inquiry into the proposed formation of Country Energy. On March 1 this year the Premier announced the NSW Government’s intention to merge Advance Energy, Great Southern Energy and NorthPower to form Country Energy. “The merger would create one of the largest country-based businesses in Australia,” Mr Kelly said. “This inquiry is seeking feedback from communities, businesses and other organisations with an interest in the merger.” The committee invites written submissions from interested parties on the issue, and will hold its first public hearing at Parliament House, Sydney on Monday 9 April 2001. “I am looking forward to leading this inquiry and ensuring that the merger advances the interests of country New South Wales.” The committee recognises that the merger requires the necessary clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The closing date for written submissions is Monday 2 April 2001. Submissions should be sent to: Director Standing Committee on State Development Parliament House Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000 Further information about the scope of the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee Secretariat on telephone (02) 9230 2193, facsimile (02) 9230 2981 or e-mail: [email protected] Terms of reference for the inquiry are attached or may be viewed on the committee web site at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au Electronic submissions may also be made via the web site. /ENDS…

(Resolution of the Legislative Council on 7th March 2001, Minutes of the Proceedings No 90, p 875) 1. That the Standing Committee on State Development inquire into and report on the proposed merger of Advance Energy, Great Southern Energy & NorthPower to form Country Energy and in particular the impact of the merger on existing and future employment levels, the impact of the merger on existing and future access levels, the impact of the merger on existing and future maintenance and repair programs, the impact of the merger on the rural and regional communities affected by the merger the impact of the merger on tariffs for rural and regional customer the impact of the merger on financial returns to the Government from State owned corporations, methods to improve service and maintenance levels to rural and regional communities, methods to determine a common tariff structure for customers of Country Energy examination of proposed salary levels and packages for the executive structure of Country Energy 2. That the Committee report by Thursday 31 May 2001.

1. That the Standing Committee on State Development inquire into and report on the proposed merger of Advance Energy, Great Southern Energy & NorthPower to form Country Energy and in particular the impact of the merger on existing and future employment levels, the impact of the merger on existing and future access levels, the impact of the merger on existing and future maintenance and repair programs, the impact of the merger on the rural and regional communities affected by the merger the impact of the merger on tariffs for rural and regional customer the impact of the merger on financial returns to the Government from State owned corporations, methods to improve service and maintenance levels to rural and regional communities, methods to determine a common tariff structure for customers of Country Energy examination of proposed salary levels and packages for the executive structure of Country Energy 2. That the Committee report by Thursday 31 May 2001.


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