Greater Investment in Cheaper, Cleaner Solar Power a Bright Solution to Energy Price Hike of Between 20 to 25 Per Cent
26 May 2023: Greater Investment in Cheaper, Cleaner Solar Power a Bright Solution to Energy Price Hike of Between 20 to 25 Per Cent
Australian households struggling with the cost of living crisis will be under more pressure as power bills rise up between 20 to 25 per cent across the nation from July 1 and greater government investment in solar is the smart solution, according to Solar Citizens.
Under the Default Market Offer announced today, customers in NSW, South Australia and parts of Queensland could be hit with increases of up to about 22 per cent for homes and small businesses. Media reports today also suggest NSW’s two main renewable energy zones are facing delays, increasing the urgency for the roll out of additional rooftop solar across the state.
Heidi Lee Douglas, National Director of Solar Citizens said, “Businesses and households are under rising pressure from soaring power bills and greater government investment in solar is one of the most equitable ways of bringing energy prices down.
“While the energy bill relief announced in the recent Federal Budget was welcome, the pace of soaring energy prices and the cost of living crisis demonstrates more support is needed for households and small business.
“Rooftop solar provides households with ongoing power savings and reduces the cost of living while energy prices surge.
“It’s a good investment for governments to provide the support and subsidies needed to make savings from rooftop solar available to as many Australians as possible.
“It’s unfair that renters and social housing tenants have largely been excluded from the benefits and cost savings of rooftop solar.
“No Australian household should be left behind in the move to cheap, clean solar energy.
“Solar Citizens calls for tailored government support to ensure the 30 per cent of households who are renters do not miss out on the ongoing, year in year out energy bill relief that solar can provide.
“All Australian households should be running on cheap, clean solar power instead of burning
expensive, polluting fossil fuels,” she said.
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Heidi Lee Douglas is available for interview.
Media contact: Jane Garcia (Essential) 0455 111 593
