[Greens-Media] NSW govt should plug holes in Garrett's flawed solar subsidy

[John Kaye]

NSW govt should plug holes in Garrett's flawed solar subsidy
 
Media release: 18 December 2008
 
The Greens are calling on the Rees government to introduce state-based gross feed-in tariff options for households wanting to invest in renewable energy generation.
 
Greens NSW MP John Kaye said: 'NSW Energy Minister Ian Macdonald should offer households the choice of opting out of the federal government's new scheme in favour of additional payments for all energy generated by rooftop solar panels or other sources of clean energy.
 
'Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett's target legislation will slash subsidies for solar panels for many NSW households.
 
'The state's renewable energy industry is already reeling from the Rudd government's weak 5 per cent greenhouse targets.  
 
'Without additional support, NSW could miss out on the potential for massive growth in green jobs in manufacturing and installation.
 
'Minister Macdonald needs to overcome his reluctance to assist in the development of alternatives to coal.
 
'He should avoid the temptation to undermine the push for gross feed-in tariffs that pay a premium for all electricity generated by household renewable energy sources.
 
'The Greens are very concerned that the current Department of Water and Energy taskforce inquiry into feed-in tariffs will be aborted, using the Rudd government's announcement as an excuse.
 
'By offering a choice between the federal Renewable Energy Targets scheme and a state-based solar feed-in tariff, cost-effective opportunities for clean energy development in NSW will be optimised.
 
'The NSW government can ensure that all households can be part of the solar revolution by creating an alternative to the Rudd government's scheme," Dr Kaye said. 
 

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455 
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000