The Newman Government has axed the 8 cent feed-in tariff, and as of July, 40,000 solar homes, and all future solar owners in Queensland, will have to negotiate directly with retailers to receive any return for the energy they provide into the grid.
In our recent meeting with Energy Minister Mark McArdle, he stated that because of high uptake of solar, retailers will have to offer a fair price for solar, as they will be be uncompetitive if they don’t. But, our experience with NSW, where families are receiving very small feed-in tariffs after negotiating with retailers, proves this otherwise. When pressed, Minister McArdle had no clear response as to how the Newman Government would guarantee that a fair price would be provided by retailers.
Although Minister McArdle had no answers on dealing with retailers, thanks to suggestions from many of you, we have a few options. We could continue to fight for fair legislated feed-in tariffs, or we could look into the option of bringing thousands of solar owners together to use our market power and negotiate a good deal with the energy retailers. Both options will use time and energy, so we'd like your thoughts on what the best use of our campaign resources. Let us know what you think below!
Showing 370 reactions
A: I’d like to second Jane O’Sullivan’s suggestion of a mass switch off action one hot afternoon. I’d do it.
A: Yes.
A: I wonder if it’s possible to set up a syndicate to actually participate in the power auction, like any other power generator. I don’t know what sort of automated system generators have, but it would be easy enough to link current insolation data with the capacity and location of subscribers’ solar arrays, to estimate how much they are generating. Otherwise, they know we are just price-takers. We might have to be prepared to switch off our panels and go on strike, on some really hot day with maximum peak power price, if they don’t let us play their game.
Great “Background Briefing” in Radio National this morning (27/4) on renewables and power prices, by the way – make sure you listen online if you missed it.
A: Maybe.
A: I am not sure that further negotiations with the Newman Government would meet with a helpful response. I would draw your attention to the Government’s approach to negotiation with Queensland’s Doctors. A Solar Strike for about a half hour in peak demand periods – perhaps useful in conjunction with other actions. Combined negotiations are more likely to be fruitful when the majority of users, who would be affected, signed up to participate in the negotiations.
A: Maybe.
A: Maybe.
A: Maybe.
A: Maybe.
A: Maybe.
A: I think there should be a Solar Strike by all QLD solar households. A coordinated switching off of the main solar isolator on every house in QLD for 5 mins… then back on again. This could be coordinated with a simple phone app with a countdown. That should get some attention.
A: Maybe.
A: I think grouping everyone together is a great idea. I’m not currently interested as still covered by fixed feed in tariff in Victoria.
A: No.
A: I just re-negotiated with my power company. I thought the price I agreed to accept would be valid for 12 months.
A: Yes.
A: Has the Newman government got a written policy on green/sustainable energy or is it just a question that they are happy to take something for nothing.
A: No.
A: Let’s be an independant voice – which if voluminous enough will speak for itself, encourage other solar participation, and force government change
A: Yes.
A: Where there are several energy suppliers this approach may be effective.
A: Yes.
A: I am currently have a contract for the .44c feed in tariff. I believe it is a better option to use the market power of the many to negotiate a deal with the retailers because then you are not at the political whim of any government. We could end up re-negotiating every 3-4 years.
A: Maybe.
A: AGL give me 52 cents feedin tariff. Perhaps they may be interested in doing a better deal with Solar Citizens?
A: Maybe.
A: Maybe.
A: Electricity we receive and power we produce should be on par, this needs to happen its outrageous how they can take the power we produce for next to nothing.
A: Maybe.
A: I am repeating the answer of another citizen, because I think we need to do both things:
He said, “I seriously considered voting for getting a better deal with retailers because I thought it perhaps pointless to pressure the Newman Government. However, my concern is that this government is in principle against renewable energy because individuals in the government appear to have vested interest in the coal and CSG industries, irrespective of the environmental and social impacts. If we settle for wheeling and dealing with retailers we will be setting for second best and will be failing to send a powerful message.”
On the other hand, I think the Newman government will never listen to us and we must also act for ourselves, as a united voice, to negotiate the best deal with the suppliers.
LH