The NSW Parliament's Public Accounts Committee has commenced an inquiry into the comparable economics of energy generation, the Committee's Chair, Mr Jonathan O'Dea MP, announced today.

"The Minister has asked the Committee to conduct this important inquiry as the result of concerns about long-term energy security for NSW," Mr O'Dea said.  "The Committee agreed to this request and is now calling for submissions that address its terms of reference. 

"The Committee will be seeking information about the energy mix currently used in New South Wales, in comparison to other states and overseas," said Mr O'Dea.  "The Committee is interested in the potential for NSW sourcing energy interstate, as well as the potential for alternative forms of energy generation.  We are looking towards the future."

Mr O'Dea emphasised that the Committee is seeking to canvass a broad range of different views.  "We are hoping to hear from stakeholders in the energy industry, researchers, and the public.  The Committee is also looking at innovative ways to engage with the community."

Submissions are requested by 10 February 2012, with public hearings to be conducted shortly thereafter. All written submissions should be forwarded to: The Public Accounts Committee, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000

Further information can be obtained by visiting the Committee website at http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/publicaccounts or by contacting Mr Jonathan O'Dea, Chairman, on (02) 9880 7400.