Australian Carbon Price to Cost ASX200 up to $3.3 Billion

Melbourne, 25th February, 2011 - Research conducted by carbon analytics firm RepuTex, indicates that S&P ASX 200 companies would face annual carbon costs of up to $3.3 billion should an interim price on carbon be introduced in 2012, as announced yesterday by the Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. 47% of this potential cost, or $1.57bn would be passed on to consumers, leaving a net liability of $1.75bn on S&P ASX 200 companies. Forward looking exposure is subsequently expected to be material on Australian companies, impacting returns along with financing, investment and competition, notably within the Power, Energy, Transportation and Materials sectors.