Australian government considers controlling fuel supplies
The gas crisis in Western Australia deepens with more business standing people down without pay. Businesses have been instructed to turn off non-essential items including limiting the number of lifts and reduced lighting, domestic customers are urged to reduce energy use.
In the Federal parliament today Resources Minister Martin Ferguson raised the prospect of activating the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act, saying “During such a situation, I can control the production, transfer and stock levels of crude and liquid fuel…While I sincerely hope that this will not be required, the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act provides authority for the Australian Government to prepare for and manage a national liquid fuel supply emergency”
WA Premier Alan Carpenter called on Western Australians to cut back on energy usage saying that situation can be managed with on going co-operation, while reassuring Western Australians that the crisis will be short with Apache Corporation expected to begin partial operations in two months. Supplies were interupted after a fire at Apache’s Vanarus Island refinery which supplied 30% of the states natural gas requirements.
Alinta spokesman has said that with the expected cold weather during the next week that demand will put further pressure on supplies, advising that its critical that all consumers limits its energy usage.
Alinta requests that residential customers;
* use only essential heating and limit it to one room
* turn down hot water system by 10 degrees
* reduce shower times
* wash in cold water.
While suggest small business;
* shift production schedules
* bring forward maintenance and shut down schedules
* turn off equipment not essential to the business.
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