Abbott compromises power price savings for all Australians with ‘compromise’ on Renewable Energy Target
Solar Citizens today warned a push by the Abbott Government for a ‘compromise’ that will slash the Renewable Energy Target (RET) will lock in more expensive power prices for all Australians.
Solar Citizens Campaigns Director Taegen Edwards said the Government had ignored the advice of its own Warburton Review that found having rooftop solar power and renewables in the nation’s energy mix brings down power prices in the long-term.
“The Abbott Government’s broken promise on support for RET puts thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment at risk and ultimately pushes up power prices for everyone,” Ms Edwards said.
“The Target is good for all Australians, whether they have rooftop solar or not. Cutting the RET will increase the cost of rooftop solar, making it harder for Australian households to take control of their power bills.”
“Australians have a love affair with solar, with more than 1.3 million Australian homes generating power from the sun.”
“Recent polling shows that the Target is hugely popular, with 89% of Australians wanting to keep or strengthen the Target, including 64% of Liberal voters.”
“Last week Clean Energy Finance Corporation Chief Executive, Oliver Yates told a Senate Estimates committee that the Government had taken the industry back 12 years.”
“The clean energy industry is struggling with the uncertainty of the negotiations.”
“The Abbott Government can show that they’re in touch with the Australian public and the renewable energy industry by committing to the full 41,000 Gwh Target, “ Ms Edwards said.
Taegen Edwards is available for comment
Media Contact: Amy Gordon, 0410 631 404
