I thought it may be of interest to see one senator’s (Eric Abetz) response to my email. I’ve pasted it below. No surprises in what he says.

“*Dictated by Senator Abetz and sent in his absence

Thank you for your email regarding the Renewable Energy Target (RET).

It was the Howard Government which introduced the RET in 2004.
Under legislation, the RET is due for review in 2014. The review will be led by an independent expert panel which will seek submissions in an open and transparent manner and will consult widely. I would encourage you to give thought to making your own submission.

We will not pre-empt the results of this review, however the Coalition is mindful to ensure that Government policies are not artificially inflating power prices.

In recent times, I have been dismayed to hear from members of the community who can no longer afford to heat their homes following the soaring cost of power. To this end, the Coalition Government is committed to easing the pressure of electricity pricing on homes and businesses.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Eric Abetz
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Employment
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service
Liberal Senator for Tasmania"

Love the Schneider review information and used it in my submission as well. Go solar ! Dean Castlemaine

My version:
Dear Renewable Energy Target review panel,

It is my view that everything should be done to encourage the continued take up of natural non-carbon based energy sources such as wind, solar, wave, hydro and biomass. Many advanced economies around the world are moving head long into a renewable energy future including China, Japan, US, Denmark, Germany and many many others, which I am sure you are all very familiar with.

It is not the 19th century. We can create energy in a smarter and more efficient way than burning coal or gas. Lets keep the RET and not become the laughing stock of the world for going backwards, despite our obvious advantages of plentiful solar and wind resources.

We love solar energy and want to see our renewable energy program expanded.

I amended my submission, thought I’d share in case some needed some more ideas. Thanks for the opportunity to submit Solar Citizens!

“Dear Renewable Energy Target review panel,

I am writing in response to your open call for submission for the review of the Renewable Energy Target (RET).

The last review was conducted less than 18 months ago and found that the renewable energy target was working as designed. Given the comprehensive nature of the last review, I do not believe this new review is warranted.

I therefore submit the findings of the 2012 review as my submission: http://goo.gl/q6gOuP

In addition, a report released by Schneider Electric in 2014 titled “Australia’s Renewable Energy Target: Three Consumer Benefits”, has found the RET in its current form will put downward pressure on electricity prices, through falling wholesale prices, and be a significant contributor to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector.

The report can be found here: http://www.secontact.com/dl/australia_lret_whitepaper.pdf

The RET is also a modest cost, accounting for less than 5% of a household electricity bill, yet network investment costs, in comparison, are at least 50%.

Therefore, the RET should not be revised or downgraded, as it will compromise investment certainty, a key finding of the 2012 review.

The Government should focus its review on electricity network investment and upgrades, which has driven up the price of electricity significantly, to deal with escalating power prices in Australia.

Australians love solar energy and want to see our renewable energy program retained and expanded."

Thank you for this great initiative which should be supported by ALL Australians if they are to leave a sustainable Plant to their descendants – the time to act is NOW & the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the CSIRO, associated research organisations & industries MUST be properly financed to meet the critical situation here & now. Our World does not need more Military expenditure; it needs Renewable Energy & sustainability education.

I inserted this message into my email to Christopher Pyne. Please do check out Background Briefing as per the link, if you didn’t get to hear it.

“We all know that electricity prices have been driven up primarily because of unnecessary spending on “poles and wires” since a predicted growth in demand for power did not occur. Your government has worked hard to push the blame onto the RET, but those of us who are open minded and listen to Background Briefing know otherwise. See http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/backgroundbriefing/2014-04-27/5406022 "

Forwarded the government is greedy to make money for their rich mates

No, not rocks in their heads; it’s greed in their guts.

Gary unfortunately we must be dealing with people with rock in their heads.

And like others – Hats of to solar citizens for all their efforts

Hats off to solar citizens again – a good clear campaign. There is so much to push against these days with the ultra conservative, idealogically driven madness of business knows best that is shaking us all at present. Thanks for your great efforts to help us take a stand.

All of us should not have to submit anything to this review panel. A clean, healthy environment does not need to be argued. It is fundamental! Only a person with rocks in their head would argue otherwise!

Forwarded, with an additional, personal perspective comment. To discard the REIT, or to damage it by watering it down, is merely blind ideology in action. However, the Green Energy Corporation has been assaulted in the same manner by this government, I am not holding my breath that it will see the wisdom and benefit in the REIT.

Renewables is creating the means by which all Australian will have an independent energy future that will free us from the future uncertainty of a carbon based economy. A good example of this is what is happening in the Ukraine and the possibility of Russia cutting of gas supplies (40% of there energy) to the rest of Europe is a excellent example. Australia energy future would be guaranteed with a 100% renewables.

We will need a huge fundraiser to get the truth into the papers.

Great work everyone. Thanks for being the spearhead.