[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Greens Bill to stop solar PV rip-off

[Parnell]

Media Release
Thursday 30th October, 2008

Greens Bill to stop solar PV rip-off


Greens MLC Mark Parnell has introduced a Private Members Bill to fix up
the solar feed-in scheme, after discovering big energy retailers are
ripping off well over $350,000 each year from SA households with solar
panels.

"This is the great SA solar rip-off.  At least another $350,000 should
be going into the pockets of householders who have done the right thing
by installing solar panels on their roof, not into the coffers of big
electricity retailers," Mr Parnell said.

"Despite public pressure, and many extremely upset customers, these big
energy companies are refusing to do the right thing. So, I have
introduced a Bill into Parliament to get it fixed up once and for all.  

"Big energy companies should not be allowed a free ride, and should
start paying for the electricity they receive from domestic solar power
producers," he said. 

When the feed-in scheme commenced on July 1st this year, companies
including Origin and AGL took the opportunity to make windfall profits
by no longer paying for the electricity they were receiving from
households exporting power to the grid from their domestic solar panels.
Solar panel owners should be receiving 2 payments: 

1. A payment for the electricity the households export to the grid (paid
for by the energy retailer) 
2. An extra 44c/kilo watt hour feed-in premium (paid for by all domestic
electricity consumers) 

Instead, some retailers stopped paying the first amount and instead just
started passing on the 44c premium (for which they didn't pay) that was
intended to 'top up' what households were already receiving.  The Greens
have calculated this will deliver a windfall profit of over $350,000
each year to Origin and AGL. 

"The Greens have moved to close this loophole to ensure the benefit of
the solar feed-in scheme will go to households who are doing the right
thing, not to big power companies keen on a free ride," he said.

 
	
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893



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