Victorian solar households could be getting nothing for their energy exports
31st March 2021: Victorian solar households could be getting nothing for their energy exports
New data out today from Professor Bruce Mountain at the Victoria Energy Policy Centre shows that export income for Victorian solar households could shrink to next to nothing if a controversial plan to charge for solar exports goes ahead.
In his article in The Conversation, Professor Mountain states, ‘From the middle of this year, rooftop PV surplus will provide the typical Victoria household with feed-in income of about $120 per year. The proposed injection charge of $100 will therefore almost totally offset the feed-in income so that households with rooftop PV will effectively get nothing for their surplus PV production.’
“Charging for solar exports is not needed and not fair. Big energy consumers, like coal and gas companies, aren’t charged for accessing the grid so why should Australian solar households,” questioned Solar Citizens’ National Director, Ellen Roberts.
Of all the States, the Victorian government has most strongly taken the side of energy consumers, explaining in their submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission on solar export charging, ‘the Victorian government does not support export charging as the case for implementing this proposal has not been demonstrated at this time.’
“The best way to make the energy fairer is to help all consumers have access to cheap solar energy, not to slam households who have made an investment to get their bills under control,” said Ms Roberts.
“Victoria is leading the country in support for renters and low income households to get solar. This rule change has the potential to derail solar uptake and the progress Victoria is making.
“The rule change the AEMC is suggesting will have major implications for solar households, but will provide a very limited benefit to non-solar consumers. It’s more unhelpful bureaucracy.
“It’s time for the Victorian government to provide certainty to solar customers and the solar industry and state their opposition to charging for solar exports.”
Ellen Roberts can be contacted for comment at 0408 583 694.
