CME chief executive Tim Shanahan said the Chamber commended the State Government for its proactive response to energy reform in Western Australia and the recognition of the need to 'get on with it'.

"The energy intensive nature of minerals extraction and processing means that the resources sector relies heavily on a reliable and low cost energy supply," Shanahan said.

"Reform of energy markets in Eastern Australia has left WA with higher than average power costs and the state at a significant competitive disadvantage.

"Introducing competition in the energy market is a proven mechanism for driving efficiencies," he said.

New entrants in the power generation market are expected to bring new technologies, fuel sources and competitive pricing to the delivery of energy to existing and prospective resource projects, especially those with a significant processing component.

Shanahan has been invited to join the Energy Minister's Electricity Reform Industry Reference Group that is scheduled to meet on 21 July 2003 with other senior resource industry leaders.