Eraring Power Station – update on additional Energy Industry Jobs Plan consultations

Following Origin Energy’s decision to extend the scheduled closure date for Eraring Power Station to April 2029, the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA) is holding a short round of additional consultation.

This consultation will gather any further information needed from stakeholders as part of the Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) assessment process. 

On 20 January 2026, Origin Energy announced an updated closure date for Eraring Power Station. The Australian Energy Market Operator has been advised that the closure date will move from 19 August 2027 to 30 April 2029. 

Prior to this announcement, the NZEA had substantially completed a ‘community of interest’ (COI) consultation and assessment process. This process looked to understand whether the EIJP should be implemented for the closure of Eraring and, if so, which employers should be included in the EIJP.

In light of the new closure date, the NZEA is providing stakeholders with a final opportunity to consider how the updated closure date of the Eraring station could impact workers, industry, business, and the broader community. 

Additional consultation – what we are seeking

The purpose of further consultation is to allow stakeholders to: 

• update information previously provided through the Eraring COI process in light of the new closure date
• raise any new or additional considerations the NZEA should take into account as a result of Eraring’s closure date changing.

The NZEA will consider all information already provided, including through public submissions, one-on-one meetings, roundtables, webinars, and other events.  Stakeholders do not need to resubmit material already provided unless they wish to update it. 

If you wish to provide any further information in light of Eraring’s updated closure date, please email the EIJP team at EIJP@pmc.gov.au by 12 March 2026.

Information not being sought

The NZEA acknowledges that Origin Energy and Centennial Coal are in ongoing commercial negotiations regarding coal supply from Myuna Colliery to Eraring.

This additional consultation is not seeking information about these negotiations or the potential consequences of reaching, or not reaching, a commercial arrangement. 

When making a final decision, the CEO of the NZEA will consider the circumstances that exist at the time. This includes any changes to the commercial relationship between closing and dependent employers.

Expressions of interest – receiving employers 

The NZEA continues to invite companies, particularly in the Hunter region, to express interest in becoming a receiving employer.

A receiving employer is a company that may be able to offer employment to the employees impacted by the closure of Eraring.

If you are interested in becoming a receiving employer or would like to recommend a business, please contact EIJP@pmc.gov.au.

Next steps

After 12 March, the CEO of the NZEA intends to conclude the COI process based on the available material. At this time, they would make a decision about an application to the Fair Work Commission for a community of interest determination. 

This decision will be made promptly after this date, to enable any Fair Work Commission determination to commence well in advance of Eraring’s new closure date.

The NZEA recognises the strong interest in this matter and the significance of the decision for workers, businesses and the community. Finalising the community of interest process remains a top priority. 

For further information, please contact EIJP@pmc.gov.au.