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: 1. Regional QLD has one problem – we only have one retailer in regional QLD – Ergon, who also own the network. I forsee problems with trying to lobby Ergon as a group and in this case would suggest a fair FIT legislated by Government.
2. Brisbane & SE QLD is fortunate to have a number of retailers and a lobbying these retailers as a solar group should get a better result due to competition amongst the retailers for the business.
3. If there is no FIT available after June 30 this will make the case for on grid storage at individual homes very strong however both Ergon & Energex need to be lobbied to get an urgent system in place to allow approvals for individual on grid storage – currently this is either not happening or extremely difficult to achieve.
A: Yes.
A: I think the Newman govt is vulnerable at present. The polls are showing a serious loss of support. I think if there is media exposure of your findings from the interview with McArdle there is a good chance that the Govt may see the wisdom of listening to the ever increasing numbers of solar users.
Perhaps solar industries may also be able to do surveys from clients, past and future, to use as ammunition against the present Government policy?
A: No.
A: If we can’t get a feed in tariff, how about a storage charge? We get charged for storing our power until we need it at night. Say 5 -10c Kw. I’d be happy to pay that.
A: Yes.
A: Not so much a question or concern, more of a statement. As owners of these solar systems, we should be guaranteed the same feed in tariff that the electricity generators are paid when they provide power to the grid.
A: Yes.
A: Maybe.
A: Maybe.
A: Maybe.
A: My “maybe” relates to the fact I live a long way from the centres of power, making face to face activities problematic. Nonetheless, as a retired union organiser, I am aware that our strength lies in our numbers , the strength that comes from unity and our willingness to exercise that strength.
A: Just to let you know that lying about rich solar owners and solar costing those poor people who cant afford it should tell you all you need to know about LNP dog whistling.You will not get a fair outcome with LNP just more propoganda. My advice ,if you want fair solar feed in rates vote the Qld LNP out,its your only chance.
A: Maybe.
A: Maybe.
A: Yes.
A: What about fair trading laws?
A: Maybe.
A: Yes.
A: What about those of us still on the 44cent tariff? Do our previous contracts stand or what? Also what are the options for going completely off grid?
A: Yes.
A: Yes.
A: Yes.
A: I think the chances of getting the LNP government to think again are negligible – greater forces than ours are influencing the move away from renewables. As a block of 40,000 consumers we surely have a better chance of convincing at least one of the power companies that it might be worth competing for our business.
A: Could you do the same thing in NSW.
A: Yes.
A: Yes.
A: Maybe.
A: Yes.
A: Maybe.