It makes no sense to fund the clean-up of the worst floods in Australia’s history by cutting investment in climate change solutions, according to the Clean Energy Council, the peak industry body for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The cuts announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the National Press Club yesterday included reductions in funding to renewable energy initiatives such as the Solar Flagships Program, the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme which supports solar hot water systems, and the Solar Homes and Communities Plan.
The Department of Climate Change & Energy Efficiency however clarified this with the following statement: the Government will redirect projected surplus funding from this program. These surplus funds have become available as a result of lower than anticipated levels of demand for the Rebate in 2010. Enough money remains within the program to support current rebate demand levels. All REBS – Solar Hot Water Rebate applications will continue be processed as normal. Depending on future levels of demand, eligible households will still be able to access the Rebate in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 Financial Years.
It is possible and quite likely that demand may increase and hence limit the program. Our advice is to act now to be certain of receiving full government rebates.