Deputy Premier John Barilaro says he’s backing coal-fired power as the new Resources Minister.

It comes after Energy Australia told Ray Hadley that Mount Piper Power Station is struggling to produce electricity, and is now generating 42 per cent less power than the same time last year.

They say the station, which supplies 15 per cent of NSW’s power, used to be supplied coal by six mines.

Now, there’s only one.

Mr Barilaro says he’s met with Energy Australia and will ensure the power station continues to operate into the future.

“We’re committed to making sure that not only is Mount Piper here today, but it’s here for the next 25 years plus. It needs to be part of the generation of electricity of this state today, and into the future.

“As the new Resource Minister, I’m getting quickly a brief on those six mines, what happened previously, why they came offline.

“Coal and mining is a big part of today and our future. I’m making that absolutely clear that I won’t be shying away in making sure that we underpin coal generation in this state.”

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