Superior Solar have welcomed a decision by the NSW government to not proceed with their proposed changes to the Solar Bonus Scheme. This is great news for the 120,000 households that have made a commitment o generating clean solar energy from their homes.
Weeks of campaigning by the solar energy industry, the threat of a backbench revolt and failed support from the upper house have forced the Premier, Barry O’Farrell, to dump plans to cut the tariff paid to participants in the solar bonus scheme.
“I am a realist and there is no point putting up legislation which does not have widespread support and which is going to be rejected” a spokesman for Mr O’Farrell quoted the Premier as saying last night.
Two weeks ago the NSW Government proposed retrospective cuts to the 60 cent feed in tariff. Public and industry furor followed.
Barry O’Farrell says his hand has been forced, because the changes were doomed to fail in the NSW Upper House. (7pm TV News ACT)
The Premier also says a review has found the scheme will cost $400 million less than first thought.
ABC news report O’Farrell wilts in solar scheme
Sydney Morning Herald O’Farrell abandons plan to cut solar tariff
Barry O’Farrell Solar Bonus Scheme Press Release-20110607
In a statement Director Superior Solar Derek Woods said:
A big thank you to all our customers who have made calls, sent letters & emails, blogged, tweeted, face booked & even took your message to the streets! the pressure that you applied to upper house meant a failure to secure enough votes from the Christian democrats and shooters and Fishers. It is because of you that this ridiculous retrospective cut is now over turned. Well done, your hard work has paid off!
While Mr O’Farrell’s official press release today provided a great victory in rolling over retrospective changes it did however quickly & frustratingly link solar power as the escape goat for increasing power bills.
On Feb 1st 2011 Ms Keneally said “The government will pay the entire cost of its 1.5b solar bonus scheme until 2016 rather than all electricity users being charged” this is further backed up by the recent IPART draft paper showing that out of the expected 17.9% electricity increase in July 2011, only 6% of this is due to Renewables by way of the R.E.T (renewable energy target) set by the Federal Government not the NSW solar bonus scheme.
What can we still do now?
Please keep up the pressure, ask for urgent action to implement a 1 for 1 net tariff!!
I believe solar power has a strong future in Australia but is in immediate crisis as the government have put solar on hold. Superior Solar is still going strong with our other lines of work however other companies are already closing down & forced to lay off staff. We need immediate action to pay a FAIR price for solar power.
All we are asking for is a 1 for 1 net tariff which will see clean solar power paid at the same rate as we currently pay for coal fired power from the grid. This is a FAIR price that will secure a sustainable long term approach.
Keep being heard and thank you for your continued support.
Derek Woods.