State government actions further undermining small scale solar

Monday, 13 July

Recent cuts to solar buyback rates could be an attempt to save a cash-strapped government some money, whilst simultaneously undermining the renewable energy industry, according to WA Greens MLC Robin Chapple.

Documents leaked in late 2014 reveal Horizon Power undertook a strategic review in 2013 aiming to reduce their government subsidy by $100 million per annum by 2018.

Mr Chapple said locking regional West Australians out of the benefits of rooftop solar was neither progressive nor honest.

“The rhetoric from Horizon Power and the Barnett government continues to praise renewable energy, yet every single action they take undermines it,” Mr Chapple said.

“Those areas of regional WA with the greatest uptake are not reaping the benefits they deserve for reducing pressure on our state’s aging fossil fuel based generators.

“Carnarvon has maximised its grid potential for rooftop solar yet their buyback rate was cut from 18.3 cents per kilowatt to just 10.5 cents per kilowatt this financial year.

“Meanwhile, some Gascoyne localities have buyback rates that are more than 4 times that; it’s just not consistent.”

Mr Chapple said information from WA’s Independent Market Operator (IMO) showed rooftop solar was having a marked impact on the state and would continue to do so into the foreseeable future.

“As rooftop solar continues to become more financially viable the state government should be encouraging its uptake, and providing greater incentives for people to make the change,” he said.

“Research undertaken by the WA Greens has shown that the number of WA homes with rooftop solar has increased 19% in just one year, largely in lower income areas.

“The IMO is already reporting that the prevalence of rooftop solar is significantly reducing peak demand in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and shifting it to later in the day.

“Instead we have a state government who is following in the footsteps of the federal government by confusing the small scale solar market and disincentivizing meaningful investment.”

“Tony Abbott has moved this week to ban the Clean Energy Finance Corporation from investing in small scale solar putting pressure on the OPERATORto continue to operate effectively.

“Strong and ongoing investment in rooftop solar is a cornerstone of the Greens Energy 2029 plan to achieve 100% renewable energy in WA, yet the actions of the federal government continue to put the progress we’ve made in serious jeopardy.                                

“What Western Australia needs from the Barnett government right now is decisive action to support the small scale solar industry, and a commitment to regional customers that rooftop solar is worth investing in.”

For comment please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.

Media liaison: Tim Oliver // 0431 9696 25          

 

State government actions further undermining small scale solar

Monday, 13 July

Recent cuts to solar buyback rates could be an attempt to save a cash-strapped government some money, whilst simultaneously undermining the renewable energy industry, according to WA Greens MLC Robin Chapple.

Documents leaked in late 2014 reveal Horizon Power undertook a strategic review in 2013 aiming to reduce their government subsidy by $100 million per annum by 2018.

Mr Chapple said locking regional West Australians out of the benefits of rooftop solar was neither progressive nor honest.

“The rhetoric from Horizon Power and the Barnett government continues to praise renewable energy, yet every single action they take undermines it,” Mr Chapple said.

“Those areas of regional WA with the greatest uptake are not reaping the benefits they deserve for reducing pressure on our state’s aging fossil fuel based generators.

“Carnarvon has maximised its grid potential for rooftop solar yet their buyback rate was cut from 18.3 cents per kilowatt to just 10.5 cents per kilowatt this financial year.

“Meanwhile, some Gascoyne localities have buyback rates that are more than 4 times that; it’s just not consistent.”

Mr Chapple said information from WA’s Independent Market Operator (IMO) showed rooftop solar was having a marked impact on the state and would continue to do so into the foreseeable future.

“As rooftop solar continues to become more financially viable the state government should be encouraging its uptake, and providing greater incentives for people to make the change,” he said.

“Research undertaken by the WA Greens has shown that the number of WA homes with rooftop solar has increased 19% in just one year, largely in lower income areas.

“The IMO is already reporting that the prevalence of rooftop solar is significantly reducing peak demand in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and shifting it to later in the day.

“Instead we have a state government who is following in the footsteps of the federal government by confusing the small scale solar market and disincentivizing meaningful investment.”

“Tony Abbott has moved this week to ban the Clean Energy Finance Corporation from investing in small scale solar putting pressure on the OPERATORto continue to operate effectively.

“Strong and ongoing investment in rooftop solar is a cornerstone of the Greens Energy 2029 plan to achieve 100% renewable energy in WA, yet the actions of the federal government continue to put the progress we’ve made in serious jeopardy.                                

“What Western Australia needs from the Barnett government right now is decisive action to support the small scale solar industry, and a commitment to regional customers that rooftop solar is worth investing in.”

For comment please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.

Media liaison: Tim Oliver // 0431 9696 25          

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