Consumers 'paying twice' as carbon emitters compensated

Australia's biggest carbon emitters are being accused of passing on the entire cost of the carbon tax while pocketing government compensation, abc.net.au reports.

Analysis by consultants Carbon and Energy Markets suggests that brown coal power plants in Victoria's Latrobe Valley could get billions of dollars in compensation over the next few years.

Director Bruce Mountain says some are passing on more than 100 per cent of the cost of the tax, meaning the government compensation amounts to windfall profits.

"It seemed to be more than 100 per cent for the case of some generators," he said.

"Not terribly much more, but it was slightly more for some and close to 100 for others."

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