QUEENSLAND SOLAR HOMEOWNERS WELCOME GOVERNMENT REVIEW INTO FAIR PRICE FOR SOLAR
Soar Citizens has welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement that it will conduct an inquiry into a fair price for solar in the state.
Campaigns Director Dan Scaysbrook said the inquiry will deliver on the government’s election promise to look into the contribution of solar households to the grid and how they should be paid for clean energy supplied to the network.
The inquiry will also investigate the public and private benefits of rooftop solar, including social, economic and environmental benefits.
“Queensland’s 422,923 solar households have done the right thing by investing in clean energy and making a growing contribution to the state’s electricity grid. It’s now time for this public inquiry to ensure they’re given a fair go,” Mr Scaysbrook said.
During the Queensland Election, when solar owners were facing attacks by the then Newman Government Solar Citizens throughout Queensland approached political candidates and asked them for their positions on solar. The Queensland Labor party released a “A Solar Future” policy which included a commitment to determining a fair Feed in Tariff and a goal of a million solar rooftops in Queensland by 2020.
“After the state election more than 600 solar homeowners across Queensland wrote to the new State government asking them to keep their election promises of support for solar and renewables.
“We know there are many other people interested in installing rooftop solar power who are waiting on the outcome of this Inquiry for evidence that times have changed and they can get the support they need.
“Queensland is in a prime position as the 'Sunshine State’ to make the most of attracting investment in renewable energy and the jobs and cost savings it can bring.
“Both the Queensland electricity pricing and solar reviews are expected to report in the first half of 2016. The outcomes will be watched closely by solar homes and their supporters for policies that can power up solar investment in the state,” he said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
Selected comments from the 662 letters sent by solar homeowners to the Qld govt:
“I have been wanting to get solar for a long time but better tarriffs would make me go ahead and get it. Please, improve the tarriff pay back.”
Carmel
“Dear Premier and minister,
Queensland has HUGE and more reserve of sunshine that any thing else, I would appreciate to see your government starting to help more of us to take advantage of our climatic situation, because our PM with his acolyte's reluctance to do so is becoming an international embarrassment”
Francis
“I am looking forward to you delivering on your promises to the Queensland people for a strong pro-solar energy commitment made in your election pitch. As a private citizen I have invested in solar since the Liberal hatchet job at Federal policy level. I am looking to you counter it giving strong State leadership for the sake of our children and for our national reputation going into the Paris climate negotiations.”
Andy
