TIME FOR TURNBULL GOVERNMENT ACTION ON STRONG SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND SOLAR
Solar Citizens has welcomed Labor’s confirmation today of its focus on renewables as a source of economic growth as part of a plan to modernise Australia's electricity sector announced today.
National Director Claire O’Rourke said Federal ministers Josh Frydenberg and Greg Hunt had indicated the new Government also wanted to support more solar energy and the economic benefits and renewable jobs it could bring.
Now it is time for the Federal Government to turn words of support into concrete action by matching the emerging baseline for renewable energy, which is at least 50% by 2030, she said.
“Renewable energy from the sun can give Australians control over their power bills, help drive innovation and generate thousands of good local jobs,” Ms O’Rourke said today.
“Federal Government support for a goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030 would go a long way towards winding back Tony Abbott’s legacy of attacks on solar and wind energy.
“In setting a new ambitious standard for renewable energy, the Coalition would be on a vote winner with a recent Essential Poll showing that 55% of people say they would be more likely to vote for a party that increased Government support for renewable energy.
“The way we use energy is changing, with families and businesses reaping the benefits of lower power bills and energy independence.
“Australians want political leadership that will deliver cleaner, cheaper energy from solar.
They have been promised a new era of support for renewables energy such as solar and
now they want urgent action.
“Opportunities, jobs and investment have already been lost during the two year attack on renewables. In comings weeks, our members will meet with their local MPs across the country, asking them for commitment and active support for solar,” she said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
Solar Citizens members are calling on their local MPs to sign a pledge supporting Stand Up For Solar key asks:
1. A strong solar and renewables goal
Australians want to see more solar and renewables, not less. A national goal of at least 50% of our energy generated by renewables by 2030 will help millions of families go solar, create tens of thousands of jobs and ensure billions in investment for our sunny country.
2. A fair go for solar owners
Going solar should be easy but big power companies simply aren’t playing fair. We want to see an end to discriminatory fees for solar owners, a fair feed in tariff for power fed back into the grid and a specialist solar ombudsman to protect consumers’ rights in every state and territory.
3. Helping households with soaring power bills
The only guaranteed way people can take control of spiralling power costs is by installing solar. We want to see a strong national program to support low-income households and renters switch to solar and help with the rising cost of living.
