Energy Minister Angus Taylor says he's "meticulously" going through the 66 submissions to the government's plan to underwrite power projects.
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As much as Mr Taylor and Prime Minister Scott Morrison would love to have a slew of energy projects under their belt during the election campaign, time isn't working in their favour.
Given Mr Taylor was only announced as the minister after Malcolm Turnbull and the NEG were shown the exit, it's been a matter of months since the underwriting plan has been on the Liberal table.
Registrations of interest were due towards the end of January, and the government is still combing through the 66 proposals.
"We've been working through them meticulously, we've got to get this right," Mr Taylor told Sky News on Monday.
"You can't make mistakes on this stuff, it is too important.
"We're not going to allow mistakes to happen and we will announce it as that work is completed."
New coal projects are among the submissions which Queensland National MPs want to be given the green light, but federal cabinet is expected to meet on Tuesday to ensure an agreed standpoint is reached.
The scheme's website says the next step is for the development of a detailed guidance and final assessment criteria, ahead of a formal request for proposals before mid-year.
It's likely a pool of money will be allocated towards prospective projects in the April 2 budget.
Meanwhile, EnergyAustralia say the industry is waiting for policy certainty to confidently give the go-ahead to investments.
The sector would be willing to invest in new generation projects if there was certainty, said Mark Collette, who is responsible for EnergyAustralia's energy business.
The energy giant hopes the government proceeds carefully with the underwriting program and has urged Mr Taylor to further consult with stakeholders before guidelines are finalised.
"To make sure there are no unintended consequences affecting investment, and of course, our customers," Mr Collette said.
ENERGY IN THE BUDGET SO FAR:
* $2 billion for a 10-year climate solutions fund, which is a rebranded Emissions Reduction Fund
* $1.38 billion for the Snowy Hydro expansion
* $56 million to fast-track a second electricity interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria
Australian Associated Press
