VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PROPOSES FAST-TRACK CONNECTION OF ROOFTOP SOLAR TO THE GRID
Solar Citizens has welcomed the Andrews Government’s plan to cut waiting times for
households wanting to instal rooftop solar, connect to the electricity grid and save money on their power bills.
If passed, the National Electricity (Victoria) Further Amendment Bill 2015, introduced into parliament this week, would align Victoria with national connection standards, which demand tighter timeframes from electricity distributors for connection to the grid.
Consumer Campaigner Reece Turner said the changes could slash waiting times for connecting small-scale rooftop solar by up to 55 business days.
“Victorians love solar -- and this new law will allow households to join the solar revolution quicker than ever,” he said.
“It will deliver on the Government’s promise to protect the interests of Victorian energy consumers, while reducing electricity costs and growing clean energy for the state.
“It also builds on changes the Victorian Govt made to the National Electricity (Vic) Act in last year to stop discrimination by retailers against solar owners.
“Victoria is home to more than 277,000 solar homes. These are households who have decided to beat the rising costs of electricity by taking power generation into their own hands. Solar households are most common in lower income suburbs.
"In the process these solar powered homes reduce the need for expensive new poles and wires, stimulate jobs in the renewable energy industry and create clean, cheap energy that helps all Australians.
“We urge parliament to pass this law and help ensure a bright future for solar in Victoria,” he said.
Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004
