Official split of SECWA into gas and electricity businesses

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Today marks an historic day for the State's energy sector.

Energy Minister Colin Barnett today announced the official split of the State Energy Commission of Western Australia into two corporate entities - a gas business (AlintaGas) and an electricity business (Western Power), as well as the formation of the Office of Energy, which has now replaced the Energy Policy and Planning Bureau.

Mr Barnett said the split would create 'head to head' competition in the energy sector in a bid to increase productivity and lower energy costs in Western Australia.

An independent Government agency, the Office of Energy, will provide policy advice to Government and will oversee the broad technical and safety regulation functions for both Government and private sector on a fair and equal basis.

"The split has signalled an exciting and challenging step forward for Western Australia's energy industry sector," he said.

Media contact: Carolyn Vicars - 222 9699