Networks, Not Solar, Driving Rising Electricity Costs

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6th October 2010, 02:02pm - Views: 1074





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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.







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