Turnbull Throws Renewable Energy Under the Bus
Monday, 20 August: The Turnbull Government’s announcement this morning that the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) will no longer include emission reduction targets is another kick in the teeth for Australia’s renewable energy industry, says community group Solar Citizens.
“What remains of the National Energy Guarantee policy will do absolutely nothing to support Australians who want to go solar or the expansion of renewables in Australia,” says Solar Citizens National Director Joseph Scales.
The latest changes to the NEG, come as the Federal Government remains silent on whether it will concurrently try to pass the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommendation to slash the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) nine years early.
“Today’s changes to the NEG policy, coupled with the Turnbull Government's failure to rule out scrapping the small-scale solar scheme, will undermine future efforts of everyday Australians to power their lives with renewable energy,” said Mr Scales.
“It’s clear that Australians love renewable energy; more than five million of us live under solar roofs.
“Rather than bow to pressure from a handful of backbenchers, the Prime Minister should listen to the will of the people and construct energy policy that supports the growth of renewables and solar.
“Solar is the only certain way for households to take back control of soaring power bills, and if the Turnbull Government was serious about helping consumers, it would support more Australians install solar.”
Last week energy giant Origin came out in support of slashing the SRES, at the same time that Australia’s big energy companies have been reporting record profits.
“The Turnbull Government needs to stop pandering to the backbench and the big end of town, and instead help energy consumers take the power back,” said Mr Scales.
“Solar energy is not only cheaper for those living under a solar roof, Solar Citizens’ expert analysis has shown that solar brings down the wholesale price of energy for everyone.
“The new NEG policy is an even bigger dud of a deal for consumers. The Government should listen to the interests of consumers and have the guts to bring forward a real energy plan and rule out cuts to rooftop solar.”
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Media contact: Stephanie Gray 0425543006
