Australia should follow Obama lead and make it easier for low-income households to go solar
Solar Citizens has welcomed the Obama Government’s announcement of a new program that will support the spread of solar power and solar industry jobs to a wider range of Americans, including renters and low-income communities.
Director Campaigns and Organising, Dan Scaysbrook, has called on the Abbott Government to follow the US lead and introduce a national program to help low-income households and renters with soaring power bills to go solar.
“The US Government’s new program will make it easier for low- and middle-income households to install rooftop solar and it will stimulate the growth of jobs in the solar industry,” Mr Scaysbrook said.
“Will the Abbott Government move beyond playing politics with renewable energy and make it easier for low-income Australians to generate their own energy from solar power and save money on their power bills?
“Or will we continue to see this Government go against the overwhelming community support for more solar power on homes across Australia?
“At a time when countries like the USA, China and India are investing in making solar energy more accessible for everyday people, our Government is blocking the expansion of solar.
“It has slashed the Renewable Energy Target and continues to side with the vested interests of the big power companies.
“A recent survey of more than 5000 solar homeowners conducted by Solar Citizens found 60% of [Australian] solar owners have reduced their power bills by more than half and 76% of solar homeowners would upgrade if they could afford it.
“What we urgently need now is a national program to help low-income households, renters and all Australians with soaring power bills to go solar.
“Our leaders should set a national goal of at least 50% of renewable energy by 2030 – then go for it!
“There’s a solar boom going on and we want clever policy that allows us to enjoy the investment, jobs and cheap power it can bring,” he said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
