CANBERRA, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Some Australian power generators could get extra compensation on top of $2.8 billion already offered to help them adapt to the country's planned carbon-trading scheme, a local newspaper said on Friday.
The national government has agreed to review the level of compensation for brown coal-fired stations in Victoria state, The Age said, quoting confidential papers from the state government.
Victoria has been lobbying Canberra for more aid for the stations, among the industry's major carbon polluters, amid concerns that some could be forced to close.
Compensation has become a key battle ground in a political row over legislation underpinning the emissions scheme, which faces a second and possibly decisive vote in parliament next month.
The conservative opposition has called for more help for the coal industry and power generators in proposing amendments to the legislation. But Climate Change Minister Penny Wong has warned that compensation is not a "bottomless pit".
The legislation has already failed to pass the upper house once before and a second vote is set for late November. If it fails again, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd would be able to call a snap election on the issue.
The Age quoted an unnamed power-industry consultant as saying Victoria Premier John Brumby, who belongs to Rudd's ruling Labor party, was worried about station closures and power disruptions.
http://in.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idINSYD47545020091023
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