NSW clean energy funding a ray of sunshine
The NSW Government’s announcement of $85million in funding for regional community energy and storage projects is a welcome first step according to Solar Citizens.
“This is a great step to support communities to install solar and to take back control of not just their power bills but their energy system,” said Joseph Scales, National Director at Solar Citizens.
“Community-owned energy opens up the benefits of rooftop solar to households who might not be able to put it on their own roofs because they’re renters or their properties aren’t suitable.
“Regional community energy hubs will enable more and more people to be part of the rooftop revolution.
“Five community energy hubs is a good start but we need more of them all across the state and especially in Western Sydney to be a trusted source of independent advice.
“It’s great for the NSW Government to make this initial investment in clean energy but we’ve seen the Victorian Government put $1.2 billion on the table this week for rooftop solar and now’s the time for the Berejiklian Government to go further.
“With the Federal Government making clear this week they won’t do anything to support a fast and fair transition to renewable energy it’s heartening to see the states stepping up but NSW has a lot to do so it’s not be left behind.
“Now is the time for the Berejiklian Government to step up and make sure NSW doesn’t miss out on more renewable energy investment by setting a target and supporting households to go solar.
“Unless NSW takes a proactive approach to renewable energy, the investment will simply flow into other states and territories that already have renewable energy targets and schemes like reverse auctions in place,” said Mr Scales.
