Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt has told industry today that there is "no excuse" not to embrace renewable energy.

Now he should turn words into action and commit the Government to a goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030, according to Solar Citizens.

“We agree - there are no excuses to avoid the exciting renewable energy revolution that is in front of our nation,” Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said.

“The Environment Minister’s efforts to spruik renewable energy are a breath of fresh air and a big change in rhetoric from the attacks on solar power seen under the Abbott Government,” she said.

“Now Minister Hunt should match his words with decisive action and beat the new baseline for renewable energy, which is a realistic goal of at least 50% by 2030.

“Renewable energy can lower power bills for Australian families while creating thousands of jobs and driving innovation.

“Australians want political leadership that can deliver cleaner, cheaper energy from solar that means a safe and healthy future for all of us. They have been promised a new era of support for renewable energy such as solar and want to see tangible action.

“Opportunities to grow jobs and investment were lost during the two-year attack on renewables. Our nation urgently need concrete support and orderly plans from the Government so we can move to a bright future for solar and renewable energy,” she said.

Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533

Solar Citizens members are meeting with local MPs over coming weeks and asking them 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.
www.standupforsolar.org.au

Residents in the seat of Page have been left disappointed that local member Kevin Hogan, has refused to take the Stand Up For Solar pledge after meeting with them on Friday.

Solar Citizens members met with Mr Hogan to talk to him about how solar was reducing their power bills and asked him for a commitment to:
a national goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030;
a fair go for solar owners, including a fair feed-in tariff, no discriminatory fees and a specialist solar ombudsman; and
a national program to help low-income households and renters with soaring power bills to go solar.

Despite the meeting being productive and Mr Hogan being personally supportive, he didn't commit to a renewable energy goal of at least 50 per cent by 2030.

“Everyday community members in Page have chosen to invest in rooftop solar as a great way to reduce their power bills and generate cleaner energy,” said Dan Scaysbrook, Campaigns Director at Solar Citizens.

“The Federal Liberal National Party should match Federal Labor’s commitment to a goal of at least 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Solar Citizens is calling Mr Hogan and all LNP members to commit to bipartisan support of this goal.

“As a local member Mr Hogan should be supporting the 10,507 solar homes in his electorate by championing this renewable energy goal.

“This community loves solar power and is looking for commitment and active support from the local MP too.

“Renewable energy can create thousands of jobs, lower power bills for Australian families and help them generate clean energy.

“Over coming months, solar homeowners will be meeting with their local members and asking them to sign the pledge. Australians love solar and it’s time their political leaders supported the community and ensured a bright future for solar,” he said.

Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004

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.

www.standupforsolar.org.au

Minister for Environment, Greg Hunt has announced that the Government will accelerate the battery storage launch in Australia but according to Solar Citizens more needs to be done.

Solar Citizens’ Campaigns Director Dan Scaysbrook said that the statement from environment minister Greg Hunt needs to be backed up by strong, supportive policies from the Federal Government.

“A good place for the Turnbull Government to start would be committing to goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030.

“Australians have been calling on the Government to act in support of renewable energy and solar power.

“Australians want more solar power and they know that renewable energy will create thousands of jobs, lower power bills for Australian families and help them generate clean energy from the sun.

“Battery storage is an important part of creating a strong solar future in Australia, but in order to undo some of the damage done by the Abbott Government’s ideological attacks on renewable energy, bipartisan support for a goal of at least 50 per cent renewables by 2030 is vital.

“Rhetoric around the need for action on renewables is all very well, but the proof is really in the pudding. Now these comments need to be backed up by strong policies.

“The government must now adopt strong, supportive policies on renewable energy and solar,” he said.

Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004

Solar Citizens has welcomed the appointment of new Minister for Energy Josh Frydenberg as an opportunity for the Federal Government to invest in more renewable energy and end the political attacks that have consumed the past two years.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt has also made positive comments on social media today about “an increased focus” in his portfolio on renewable energy.

National Director Claire O’Rourke said Australia’s millions of solar homeowners and solar supporters would welcome the Environment Minister’s comments and the appointment of the new Energy Minister.

However, voters needed to see more details and action from the Turnbull government to cement a true change of direction and a move away from the cheap political point-scoring of recent times.

“Ministers Frydenberg and Hunt should show strong leadership by, at a minimum, matching Labor’s commitment to renewable energy supplying at least half the nation’s power by 2030,” she said.

“The Turnbull Government’s adoption of a goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030 would be welcomed by the overwhelming majority of Australians who want to see more solar and renewables, not less.

“Australians want political leadership that will deliver cleaner, cheaper energy from solar - the last thing they want to see is ongoing attacks such as those we have seen from the Federal Government.

“It would demonstrate that the new Turnbull Government had a genuine commitment to the creation of thousands of jobs, to support innovation and to help families reap the rewards of solar to take control of rising power bills.

“Solar Citizens will write to both Ministers on behalf of millions of Australians who have installed rooftop solar on their homes and their supporters for commitment to:

• A national goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030,
• A fair go for solar owners, including a fair feed-in tariff, no discriminatory fees and a specialist solar ombudsman, and
• A national program to help low-income households and renters with soaring power bills to go solar.

“For far too long there has been a disconnect between what Australians want and what our political leaders have delivered – and Australia is falling behind globally when it comes to the development of the sector. The Minister can support this goal, ensure Australia does not miss out on the benefits of the solar revolution and bring Australia one step closer to becoming a solar powerhouse,” she said.

Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533

Solar Citizens says the Canning by-election result overnight shows voters want a change from Tony Abbott’s attack on renewable energy and a return to bipartisan support for sensible solar and renewable energy policies.

Renewable energy emerged as a major election issue in the by-election, with Essential Report polling finding renewable energy was the third-most important issue for voters behind economy and jobs.

Almost two-thirds (64.9 per cent) of Canning voters support a 50 per cent renewable energy goal by 2030, with 9.9 per cent opposed to the goal adopted by the Labor Party in its National Platform.

“The results of the Canning by-election have put Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government on notice - people love solar and renewable energy and will vote for parties that support it,” said Claire O’Rourke, National Director of Solar Citizens.

“Prime Minister Turnbull would do well to remember that in the top 15 most marginal federal electorates there are more solar homeowners than the number of votes needed to change the sitting member. Solar voters are set to be a game changer in marginal seats.

“Renewable energy allows people to take control of their household energy bills and generate their own clean energy.

“Renewable energy will also drive jobs and economic growth at a time when the mining boom is coming to an end in Canning, Western Australia and other parts of the world.

“It’s time for the Turnbull government to show leadership and invest in the innovation and new jobs of this solar revolution,” she said.

Media contact: Jane Garcia  0434 489 533

Now they want new Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull and his government to stand with them and support solar and renewables, said National Director Claire O’Rourke.

“Boosting solar and renewable energy are front and centre in the issues that matter most to voters in Canning,” she said.

“A recent Essential Poll of the Canning electorate showed 48% of swinging voters said reducing the Renewable Energy Target would make them less likely to vote for the Liberal, while only 15% would be more likely to support the government.

“The people of Canning love solar and renewable energy and are concerned about the economy, jobs and the cost of living.

Renewable energy enjoys strong support in Canning, with a ReachTEL poll conducted for Solar Citizens, The Wilderness Society and Conservation Council WA finding that almost two-thirds (64.9 per cent) of voters in the electorate supporting a goal of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Almost half of Liberal voters surveyed (48.6 per cent) support the goal.

“The new Prime Minister designate can show real leadership by taking strong, decisive action and back a goal of at least 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030 - a line in the sand drawn earlier this year by the Australian Labor Party. It’s a realistic and achievable goal that will support an agile economy and Australian families.”

“On Thursday, the community will hand over a super-sized letter from Canning constituents calling on Liberal candidate Andrew Hasting to Stand Up For Solar.

“We will then move across the road to Labor candidate Matt Keogh's office to do the same.

“This is the community’s  opportunity to send politicians in Canning and around the nation a definitive message that will echo nationwide - we love solar and we vote,” she said.

Event details
What: Rally for Solar
When: 12pm-1pm. Thursday, 17 September
Where: Outside the office of Liberal candidate Andrew Hastie, 12 Sutton St Mandurah
More info: http://www.standupforsolar.org.au/canning_rally_for_solar
Media contact: Jane Garcia  0434 489 533

Authorised by Claire O’Rourke, 338 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000

Solar Citizens has welcomed the appointment of new Prime MInister Malcolm Turnbull as an opportunity for the Coalition to return to strong bipartisan support for better solar and renewable energy policy.

The Abbott government’s repeated attacks on renewable energy, including breaking its promises to the Australian public by slashing the Renewable Energy Target contributed to the government’s unpopularity and Mr Abbott’s demise.

The Canning by-election was the most recent example of voter displeasure with the government’s attitude on renewable energy, with recent polling showing that people saw renewable energy as a top issue, ranking ahead of national security.

Similar to across the nation, renewable energy enjoys strong support in Canning, with almost two-thirds (64.9 per cent) of voters in the electorate supporting a goal of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Almost half of Liberal voters surveyed (48.6 per cent) support the goal.

“The Liberal Party should be solar’s number one advocates,” said Claire O’Rourke, Solar Citizens National Director.

“Ordinary households generating solar power from their rooftops are a good fit with many core values of the Liberal Party - competitive markets, consumer choice and reward for individual effort. It’s a sensible vision that Australians are keen to support.

“Across Australia, these forward-thinking policies, such as the Renewable Energy Target and feed-in-tariffs have supported a growing number of households to made a choice to put solar panels on their roof and take control of their household power bills.

“The new Prime Minister designate can show real leadership by taking strong, decisive action and back a goal of at least 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030 - a line in the sand drawn earlier this year by the Australian Labor Party. It’s a realistic and achievable goal that will support an agile economy and Australian families.”

“There are many opportunities created through the global solar revolution - thousands of new jobs, new business opportunities and millions in investment - Australia can seize these opportunities now and become a leader and innovator in the industry.

“People want to see a better world for our kids and we can achieve this by using the resources we’ve got, and that’s plenty of sun. Australians want smart, sensible plans put in place and we hope to see this from Mr Turnbull.

Claire O’Rourke available for interviews.

Media contact: Jane Garcia  0434 489 533

Solar Citizens has welcomed a Victorian Government Bill that will amend the state’s Electricity Industry Act and other legislation to the benefit of solar homeowners.

The changes will ban electricity retailers from placing restrictions on customers who have rooftop solar or other renewable energy generation from taking up an offer available to other customers.

There is still flexibility to make electricity sale offers that are specific to solar or renewable households, but not the power to exclude them from the offers made to other customers, said Solar Citizens Campaigns Director Dan Scaysbrook.

“Solar Citizens members have been strong advocates for a fairer go for solar homes from energy retailers and the Victorian government’s new bill could go a long way towards delivering a level playing field,” he said.

“It’s good to see the government keeping its election promise and putting the interests of solar households at the centre of energy policy.

“There are more than 258,000 Victorian households that have transformed their homes into renewable energy powerhouses. They generate more than 980 MW of clean energy and have saved more than $1.4 million on their electricity bills.

“The new bill is a significant step forward but more is needed to lock-in support for solar homes in the state.

“Only last week, the Essential Services Commission (ESC) got it totally wrong by slashing the solar feed-in price to as low as five cents per kWH for energy exported to the grid by 2016.

“This dramatic 20 per cent cut to the minimum feed-in tariff price is extremely unfair and risks undermining increased renewable energy as part of Victoria’s energy mix.

“The Victorian Government should do the right thing and ensure there’s no change in the feed-in tariff until its own current review of a fair price for solar has reported.

“Otherwise tens of thousands of households will lose a large chunk of the already small financial return they receive from providing clean, renewable energy back into the grid,” he said.

Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004

• Almost two-thirds of Canning voters support Labor’s 50% renewable energy target (48.6% Libs)
• 23% of undecided voters rate renewables as their most important issue
• Renewable energy third most important issue behind economy and jobs

Renewable energy is shaping up as a major election issue in the Canning byelection in Western Australia, according to a poll conducted on Monday evening.

Almost two-thirds (64.9 per cent) of Canning voters support a 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030, with only less than 10 (9.9) per cent opposed to the ambitious target adopted by the Labor Party at its national conference in July.

Even among Liberal voters, the 50 per cent renewable energy target is supported by almost half (48.6 per cent) of its supporters with just 15.2 per cent opposed.

Just this week Western Australia’s Liberal Energy Minister Mike Nahan has noted that solar growth in Western Australia is so fast it will completely take over daytime power generation and power stations will have to close. In Canning, 28 per cent of households have solar photovoltaic systems on their rooftops.

The ReachTEL poll conducted on Monday shows Liberal candidate Andrew Hastie leading Labor candidate Matt Keogh by just 2 points on two-party preferred basis, although 7.9 per cent of voters are still undecided. Almost one quarter of the undecided voters nominated renewable as their most important issue (23 per cent).

Almost 80 per cent of voters not voting for the two major parties were directing their preferences to the ALP (79.1 per cent) who have set the more ambitious renewable energy goal.

Of all voters, renewable energy was considered the third most important issue (13.4 per cent) behind the economy and jobs (33.1 per cent) and cost of living (19.1 per cent).

“The people of Canning love solar and renewable energy and are concerned about the economy, jobs and the cost of living,” said Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke.

“Renewable energy addresses all those concerns. Renewable energy will drive jobs and economic growth and drive down the cost of living by helping with electricity bills. Renewable energy is a huge growth industry in Canning and Western Australia, especially with the mining boom coming to an end. This poll shows that the people of Canning will vote for a party that adopts ambitious renewable energy policies.”

Wilderness Society Western Australia Campaign Manager Jenita Enevoldsen said: “The mining boom is coming to an end but Australia can still be the lucky country with its abundant wind and sunshine to cash in on the renewable energy industry.

“Australia has the world's best, cheap clean energy sources like solar and wind so we should make the most of them to create more jobs and help families with the cost of living.

“More renewable, clean energy means a better world for our kids.”

For further comment contact:
Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke on 0410 729 594
Wilderness Society Western Australia Campaign Manager Jenita Enevoldsen on 0405 941 500