06 October 2010
Networks, not solar, driving rising electricity costs
Australia’s clean energy peak body says the cost of supporting residential solar power is a drop
in the ocean compared to billions of dollars in network costs that are driving big increases in
electricity prices in NSW.
In relation to claims by electricity generators today, Clean Energy Council Chief Executive
Matthew Warren said it was ridiculous to hang the rising price of electricity in NSW around the
neck of the solar industry.
“The Australian Energy Regulator estimates the cost of improving the electricity network in
NSW at more than $14 billion over five years. Based on the 50 MW installed under the NSW
Solar Bonus Scheme, the cost of solar electricity from the current scheme is less than 4 per
cent of this,” Mr Warren said.
“Solar power systems will help to reduce electricity costs for householders, and as the cost of
this clean energy continues to fall more households will be able to immunise themselves from
rising electricity prices,” he said.
Mr Warren said solar power was helping to transform the way Australians think about energy.
“Effectively the NSW government is building a peak load power station across the rooftops of
NSW, which is co-funded by householders and the network,” he said.
“It’s a different way of generating energy. It’s what a clean energy future is going to look like.
“The people of Australia want action on climate change and cheaper clean energy. Solar feed-
in tariff programs are about developing the solar industry, making use of Australia’s abundant
sunshine.”
Mr Warren said NSW required the use of solar installers accredited with the Clean Energy
Council. This scheme requires the use of qualified industry professionals and licensed
electricians, helping to ensure solar power systems meet Australian Standards.
ends
For more information, contact Mark Bretherton on 0413 556 981 or 03 9929 4111.
NEWS 
