The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) congratulates the Federal Government for its response to the Renewable Energy Target Review, particularly its decision to protect communities and businesses from being exposed to the administrative burden and risk of the LRET, which is designed for large energy businesses.
“For communities and commercial energy consumers, investing in solar is a way of managing rising energy costs, not becoming a fully fledged commercial generator,” said Craig Memery, the ATA’s Energy Consumer Advocate.
“The welcome decision to keep small-scale renewable energy systems in the Small Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) will mean that businesses and communities investing in solar systems will not have to compete with large wind farms to trade their renewable energy certificates in a competitive market.”
Consumers will be protected by the Energy Minister retaining the ability to adjust the SRES price cap. The ATA calls on the Minister to use this power wisely.
“In the unlikely event that the cost of the SRES scheme starts to blow out again, the Minister will be able to mitigate the impact on other consumers,” Mr Memery said.
“The Minister must be mindful of course of the impact of sudden changes that will perpetuate the boom and bust cycles that solar power has experienced in Australia. If he has to use this power, he must provide enough forward notice and not just pull the rug on consumers.”
The announcement lifts a veil of uncertainty that has sat over the energy industry and recently deterred investment in both renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
“Now households, communities and businesses across Australia can get on with building Australia’s sustainable energy future,” Mr Memery said.
The ATA – http://www.ata.org.au/ – is a not-for-profit consumer organisation providing independent advice on renewable energy, water conservation and sustainable buildings.
ATA Energy Consumer Advocate Craig Memery
