The Tasmanian Government has passed legislation through the Lower House of Parliament that will break up Aurora Energy’s energy retail monopoly.

State Minister for Energy, Bryan Green, said that the legislation was a major milestone in delivering the lowest possible power prices for households and businesses.

“The changes will achieve real and lasting benefits for Tasmanian households and small businesses,” Mr Green said.

“We will be delivering competition and choice for all Tasmanians while maintaining ownership of the State’s core electricity assets in public hands.

“These are some of the biggest changes we have seen in our electricity industry which are all about achieving the lowest possible prices and better services for consumers.”

Mr Green said existing electricity concessions would be enshrined in the legislation ensuring they will continue in a competitive retail market.

“The protection of the rights of customers is a priority of the Government.

The Electricity Reform Implementation Bill 2013 will remove Aurora Energy’s current monopoly on residential and small business customers and the business will be merged with Transend Networks saving taxpayers about $8 million a year.