AGL Energy : Loy Yang providing ex-Hazelwood workers with new future

Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Less than five months after hanging up their Hazelwood hard hats following the closure of the Engie-owned power station, 25 retrenched workers have been offered employment opportunities at AGL Loy Yang under the Victorian Government's Worker Transition Scheme.

AGL Loy Yang was the first power generator to sign up to the landmark agreement with the Victorian Government and unions allowing retrenched Hazelwood workers to transition to its Latrobe Valley-based power station and mine.

AGL Loy Yang General Manager Steve Rieniets said he was proud of the work done recruiting the Hazelwood workers.

'Supporting the community we operate in is very important to us and this has been one way we can assist here with local employment and the local economy.

'While we've been able to offer the workers local jobs they've offered us fantastic skills and expertise - it's a win-win,' Mr Rieniets said.

Following the signing of the agreement, AGL Loy Yang opened Expressions of Interest for an Early Retirement Scheme which then allowed for vacancies within the business.

'We are still working through the applications for early retirement and need to ensure we maintain necessary staffing levels for training and operations but we expect more opportunities to become available as employees depart over the coming months,' said Mr Rieniets.

AGL Loy Yang anticipates around 40 ex-Hazelwood employees will have been offered employment with Loy Yang by the end of the year.

Mr Rieniets thanked the Victorian Government and local unions for their work in securing the agreement and allowing local power industry skills to remain in the Latrobe Valley.

'AGL remains committed to the Latrobe Valley and its sustainable future as we transition to a low carbon economy. We are very proud to play a part in this scheme. We're also pleased to welcome the workers and provide opportunities for furthering their careers here in our region,' added Mr Rieniets.

About AGL
AGL is committed to helping shape a sustainable energy future for Australia. We operate the country's largest electricity generation portfolio, we're its largest ASX-listed investor in renewable energy, and we have more than 3.6 million customer accounts. Proudly Australian, with more than 180 years of experience, we have a responsibility to provide sustainable, secure and affordable energy for our customers. Our aim is to prosper in a carbon-constrained world and build customer advocacy as our industry transforms. That's why we have committed to exiting our coal-fired generation by 2050 and why we will continue to develop innovative solutions for our customers.