UNFAIR HIKE IN NETWORK CHARGES HITS QLD SOLAR HOMEOWNERS
An ABC Radio National investigation[1] yesterday confirmed what many Queensland solar households have experienced first-hand - ‘network charges’ on Australian electricity bills are among the highest in the world.
Solar households across Queensland reported shock as they opened their electricity bills from July 1 and found out they had been slugged up to $428 per year for ‘fixed’ electricity network charges.
Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said there had been an increase in solar users from Queensland reporting that their electricity network costs have escalated, regardless of how much power they use from the grid.
“Solar users should not be penalised for embracing the future of energy that the big power companies have failed to invest in,” she said.
“This unfair increase in fixed charges reflects poor planning from the network providers and suggests a cash grab for profits, with consumers left carrying the cost.
“To penalise solar owners who are trying to do the right thing just doesn’t make sense.
“More than 450,000 homes in Queensland have gone solar to take back control of their energy bills and do their bit for the environment.
“It’s hard to believe the Queensland government can keep its election promise to "target one million solar rooftops” if it allows fixed charges that risk reducing incentives for people to go solar.
“So far over 2,500 Queenslanders have signed Solar Citizens’ petition calling on the Queensland Government to intervene and stop these price hikes.
“All homeowners deserve to be treated fairly. The Queensland Government should work to reverse these unfair network price hikes and never allow it to happen again,” she said.
Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004
