A clear, stages transition plan is needed to improve energy reliability and affordability
Media Release Date: 29 January 2026
South Australia has historically had some of the highest average electricity prices in the nation, creating a jurisdictional disadvantage.
With members spanning the energy and resources sector supply chain, the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) has long advocated for energy reliability and affordability as a critical enabler to enhance sector competitiveness.
While the recent decrease in wholesale electricity prices in South Australia reported by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is an encouraging trend, SACOME’s members continue to emphasise the importance of energy competitiveness and reliability.
In its 2026 Pre-Election Priorities, SACOME advocates for policy settings that incentivise the development of new generation capacity, storage and the development of existing and new gas supply, recognising the importance of gas as an input to electricity generation, firming, smelting and manufacturing.
Certainty and consistency are critical for industry, recognising the important role that clear policy signals play in facilitating the investment in and development of energy projects needed to facilitate the energy transition.
Quotes from Catherine Mooney, Chief Executive Officer of SACOME
“Much work has been done by the South Australian Government in collaboration with industry to enhance energy reliability and affordability in recent years.
“Continuing a clear, staged transition plan is essential to position the South Australian resources sector as a national leader in low-carbon mining, energy and processing. Industry needs policy certainty to be able to invest with confidence and contribute to the energy transition.
“Recognising the challenges of a complex energy market, SACOME initiated the Joint Electricity Purchasing Group (JEPG) in 2016 to create benefit for our members and achieve more competitive electricity pricing.
“SACOME is proud to build on the success of the initial JEPG program and extend its benefits to even more South Australian businesses with ACCC authorisation for the establishment of JEPG 2.0 granted on 22 October 2025.”
South Australia has historically had some of the highest average electricity prices in the nation, creating a jurisdictional disadvantage.
With members spanning the energy and resources sector supply chain, the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) has long advocated for energy reliability and affordability as a critical enabler to enhance sector competitiveness.
While the recent decrease in wholesale electricity prices in South Australia reported by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is an encouraging trend, SACOME’s members continue to emphasise the importance of energy competitiveness and reliability.
In its 2026 Pre-Election Priorities, SACOME advocates for policy settings that incentivise the development of new generation capacity, storage and the development of existing and new gas supply, recognising the importance of gas as an input to electricity generation, firming, smelting and manufacturing.
Certainty and consistency are critical for industry, recognising the important role that clear policy signals play in facilitating the investment in and development of energy projects needed to facilitate the energy transition.
Quotes from Catherine Mooney, Chief Executive Officer of SACOME
“Much work has been done by the South Australian Government in collaboration with industry to enhance energy reliability and affordability in recent years.
“Continuing a clear, staged transition plan is essential to position the South Australian resources sector as a national leader in low-carbon mining, energy and processing. Industry needs policy certainty to be able to invest with confidence and contribute to the energy transition.
“Recognising the challenges of a complex energy market, SACOME initiated the Joint Electricity Purchasing Group (JEPG) in 2016 to create benefit for our members and achieve more competitive electricity pricing.
“SACOME is proud to build on the success of the initial JEPG program and extend its benefits to even more South Australian businesses with ACCC authorisation for the establishment of JEPG 2.0 granted on 22 October 2025.”