Rod Sims of the ACCC has said ‘Breaking up Stanwell and CS Energy prior to privatisation into, say, three competitors, as existed a short time ago, would clearly improve competitive outcomes and make ACCC approval a smoother path, as it would allow a competitive generation market … On the flip side, there is the potential that selling an asset may worsen or entrench a market structure that is not sufficiently competitive, and so damage competition, consumers and the long-term health of the economy.’ Treasurer Tim Nicholls sees this as encouraging, Professor John Quiggin is sceptical. (Brisbane Times, 14.10.14)
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