As the temperature cools, the heat is on Chris Bowen

Gas shortages, reported delays to major projects and coal-fired power woes are among the gifts handed to the new energy minister

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It's a shame Chris Bowen can't harness some of the heat from his baptism of fire as new energy minister because it could come in handy this winter.

Even before he'd been sworn in, Victoria nearly ran out of gas. This week, there were more coal-fired power woes - with AGL Energy down to six of its 11 units operating - and a new winter demand record in Queensland for electricity.

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