Queensland's sunny solar future at stake in upcoming election
Solar Citizens across Queensland are calling on major political parties to deliver stronger commitments to support rooftop solar and renewable energy ahead of the January 31 state election.
According to National Director Claire O’Rourke “Solar Citizens are urging all parties contesting the Queensland election to put the support of households who want to benefit from generating their own energy front and centre this election.”
“Queensland has one-third of Australia’s rooftop solar capacity with more than 380,000 homes with solar PV installed - that means solar homes are the fourth biggest capacity power generator in the state.”
“Solar has helped households reduce electricity bills and has created at least 6,000 jobs for Queenslanders in small to medium sized businesses. That’s why we are calling on Queenslanders to “Vote 1 Sun” and pledge to vote for sensible, positive solar policy this election.”
“The Newman government has wiped out mandatory feed-in tariffs, slapped discriminatory $500/day charges on larger solar users and wound back a host of renewable energy initiatives.
“Premier Campbell Newman and his government needs to stop attacking solar homeowners and siding with the big power companies,” Ms O’Rourke said.
“Blaming solar owners for the rise in power bills is wrong and unfounded. Queenslanders want more solar, not less because it just makes sense.
“All parties would be wise to remember there are more than 380,000 solar households in Queensland, who will all be voting with solar in mind this election.
“Queenslanders want the next government to stand up for solar homeowners and solar jobs this election and we look forward to hearing positive solar policy announcements as the election approaches.”
Claire O’Rourke is available for interview.
See the Vote 1 Sun pledge here: http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/vote
Media contact: Amy Gordon 0410 631 404
Solar Citizens: Queensland Election 2015 policy position
Solar Citizens has put the following policy positions to Premier Campbell Newman and the leaders of all major parties in Queensland to ask them where they stand on the five major issues facing solar:
1. A FAIR PRICE FOR SOLAR FED INTO THE GRID
Commit to setting a regulated minimum feed-in-tariff, set at a fair level for consumers who generate power and feed it back into our state’s energy supply.
2. NO DISCRIMINATORY SOLAR FEES
Guarantee no unfair fixed fees and charges for solar homes and rollback of the ridiculous $500-a-day charge for larger solar users.
3. TRIAL SOLAR STORAGE - WAY OF THE FUTURE
A trial of solar plus storage in 1000 Queensland homes - the next big thing - that can test innovation of technology and business models and will allow solar to run day and night and help maintain our state’s energy supply.
4. ONE MILLION SOLAR ROOFTOPS
One million Queensland roofs (low income earners, schools and public buildings) to have solar power installed by end of the next term of Government.
5. STAND UP FOR QLD SOLAR JOBS – PROTECT THE RET
Declare full support for the national Renewable Energy Target, that supports thousands of Queensland solar jobs, helps with the price of installation and lowers the wholesale price of power for all consumers, and pledge to call on the Federal Government to expand the RET to at least 50% by 2030.
