VICTORIA ANNOUNCES CLEAR ROAD AHEAD FOR GROWING RENEWABLES, SOLAR HOMES
Solar Citizens has welcomed the release of the Victorian Renewable Energy Roadmap as a significant step forward for the growth of renewable energy and rooftop solar in the state.
The Roadmap sets out four priority areas of government support:
• Establishing a renewable energy target of no less than 20 per cent by 2020.
• Using the Government’s electricity purchasing power to support the creation of hundreds of renewable energy jobs.
• Ending unfair discrimination and improving access to the grid for solar customers.
• Supporting clean energy jobs through the $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund.
National Director Claire O’Rourke said the roadmap announced was significant for people in Victoria who want to take control of their household power bills by going solar.
“NSW has proudly positioned itself as “Australia's answer to California” when it comes to accelerating renewable energy but the Renewable Energy Roadmap means Victoria will give it a keen run for its money,” she said.
“More than 250,000 Victorian homes have already installed solar power to cut their electricity bills.
“Rooftop solar means cheaper power for homeowners and it means new jobs and less polluting power generation for Victoria.
“Earlier this year, at least 550 solar homeowners told a Senate Inquiry they felt like they’ve been unfairly treated by the big energy companies, including being hit with unfair or hidden charges and increases in service charges after installing solar.
“We welcome the roadmap’s commitment to protect solar households from unfair fees and ensure that household power bills come down.
“Solar Citizens urges all State government to follow the leadership shown by Victoria and invest and support in growing renewable energy and rooftop solar,” she said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533