With an increasing number of Western Australian businesses and industries adversely affected by the state’s gas outage, there is an urgent need for the State Government and energy suppliers to provide accurate and timely information to companies.

The sharing of information is crucial in a situation as serious as the one Western Australia find itself in.

The gas outage is the most significant challenge to WA business and the local economy in recent years.

Business across the state is relying on the State Government and energy suppliers to provide as much detailed information as possible about the availability of energy in the short and longer term. This will help affected companies better plan on how best to deal with the outage.

The loss of up to one third of the state’s gas supply is threatening the livelihood of a large number of WA business owners. The outage has already hit some businesses hard with companies forced to cut production and stand down staff in order to cope with the loss of supply.

CCI is concerned the longer the gas outage continues, the greater the adverse impact will be on business, households and the economy.

A number of companies have managed to secure alternative energy supplies, however it is uncertain how long some businesses will be able to absorb the added costs. Businesses should contact their energy supplier to discuss options.

CCI continues to play a lead role in assisting and representing industry in the wake of the loss of gas supply from Varanus Island.

The Chamber is working collaboratively with the State Government to ensure that the interests of business and industry are taken into account in the response to the outage.

CCI calls on WA households to help mitigate the impact on business by conserving as much energy as possible. Everyone has an important role to play in ensuring the level of disruption to WA businesses and their employees is kept to a minimum.

It is critically important the whole community limits energy usage to essential demand.

Statement by CCI Chief Executive James Pearson