Hydro grilled over energy supply plans
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Hydro says a lack of rain has made the past year disappointing. (ABC News: Andrew Fisher)
There is concern Hydro Tasmania does not have a plan to deal with another two years of historic low rainfall.
A parliamentary committee is scrutinising the energy generator.
Hydro has had to spend more than $200 million importing power, pushing its books into the red.
It is betting on more rain this year and the next.
The state oppositon and the Greens say Hydro does not have a plan if the rain does not fall.
The Opposition's Peter Gutwein says there are no start dates for any other projects which Hydro has identified to get more energy out of its system.
The Green's Kim Booth says Hydro does not have the money to build anything.
Hydro's chief executive Vince Hawksworth says the projects are still in a pre-feasibility stage.
He says Hydro could borrow to fund the works.
Dividend doubt
Earlier today Hydro predicted it will not be able to pay the State Government any dividends if the historic dry continues.
Mr Hawksworth told the committee that the lack of rain made the past year disappointing.
Hydro recorded an operating loss of $58 million in 2007-08 and conceded its reliance on Basslink is hurting.
Salary denial
He also denied its top 10 executives have been given an average payrise of $110,000 a year.
The Opposition's Peter Gutwein noted Hydro's annual report showed a significant jump in management salaries.
Mr Hawksworth says executives have not been given a $100,000 plus pay rise and part of the increase is due to a restructure.
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