Acme Energy, the nominated generator of electricity at CoalCo Power Station (CoalCo), announced that the power station is expected to close on 31 March 2029.
The NZEA's CEO will now determine whether the Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) is needed to support an orderly transition for the CoalCo closure. To make this decision, the CEO is required to undertake a Community of Interest (COI) process.
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) is the final decision maker and will independently decide whether to make an EIJP determination for CoalCo and which employers would be included.
Status: Community of Interest (COI) process is underway, public submissions are open
CoalCo - Community of Interest Process
- COI process commenced: 24 July 2026.
- Next steps: Public submissions are currently open, closing on 18 September 2026.
The purpose of the COI process is to gather evidence and assess whether the EIJP is necessary to facilitate a smooth transition for affected employees and the regional workforce, by placing legal obligations on certain employers to provide transition supports to their employees.
At this stage in the COI process, the CEO is consulting with stakeholders including employers, employees, unions and employer organisations to understand the likely impacts of the closure. The CEO will consider the information gathered and whether the EIJP is required to support workforce transition in the region.
If the CEO decides the EIJP is needed, they will make an application to the FWC for a COI determination for the CoalCo Power Station, including the employers who should be covered. The FWC will undertake its own process and is the ultimate decision maker on whether an EIJP is put in place and who it will apply to.
Any application to the FWC must be made by March 2027.
Have your say
Our public consultation paper is available through our online consultation hub. We encourage you to have your say.
About the EIJP
The EIJP aims to support a smooth transition for employees and businesses affected by the closure of coal-fired and gas-fired power stations.
The EIJP regulates employers by requiring them to take reasonable steps to assist their employees to prepare for and transition to new employment while remaining in their current roles. Transition assistance under the EIJP can include:
- Career planning
- Financial advice
- Training and skills development
- Paid time off and flexible work to attend interviews and training
This is to achieve a fair, orderly and well-managed transition.
The EIJP is a legislative, regulatory framework established under Part 5 of the Net Zero Economy Act 2024 (NZEA Act).
Learn more about the EIJP Framework
Hiring employers (‘receiving employers’)
With the COI underway, the NZEA works with other employers in the region that may be interested in hiring workers from CoalCo. This includes identifying job opportunities for workers based on their skills, interests and experiences. Incentives may be available to these employers, such as hiring incentives and early retirement packages.
You can apply to be a receiving employer.
Protecting your privacy
NZEA recognises the importance of privacy and the protection of personal information. Learn more about privacy at the NZEA
About CoalCo Power Station
CoalCo Power Station commenced operation in 1976, having been built by the Queensland Government. The station is now operated by Acme Operating Services Pty Ltd on behalf of the CoalCo Power Station Joint Venture participants. It has a nameplate capacity of 1,680 MW across six subcritical coal-fired units.