How did the country’s energy crisis get to this?

Chris Uhlmann examines how the country entered its policy-induced energy crisis and whether there’s a quick fix to the situation.

The stink of rotting barramundi in the Hazelwood cooling ponds will be an apt metaphor for Australia’s rancid energy planning, after the generator’s last unit shuts the day after April Fool’s Day.

Despite the long-anticipated closure of the plant, the Victorian Government introduced the tropical fish into the balmy waters of the Hazelwood pondage in April 2016.

The aim was to attract tourist anglers and there has been keen interest, even the odd poacher.

But when the plant’s boilers are switched off the pond waters will go cold — when temperatures in the La Trobe Valley plummet to single digits in winter.

The optimum temperature for barramundi to thrive is 28 degrees Celsius — so the fish will die and the stench will be an eloquent testament to Australia’s policy-induced energy crisis.

The Australian Energy Market Operator is forecasting shortfalls in energy that could see major blackouts in Victoria and South Australia from December. How did it get to this?

MORE: Hazelwood closure leaves major energy black hole, electricity prices will inevitably rise – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)