Australian Insulation Rebate Fraud Fiasco Unfolding

 

The Australian insulation industry has taken a reputation blow today after Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced 100 insulation companies will be kicked out of the Government's $2.7 billion program because of  "unscrupulous behaviour", including cases of overcharging and fraudulent invoicing.
     
While Mr. Garrett says the number of operators booted from the program is a minority, opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt said the 100 companies were the "tip of the iceberg" and called for a full auditor-general's inquiry into the issue.
     
Fraud in relation to insulation has been reportedly commonplace since the program began. As early as April this year, Queensland residents were warned to be on the lookout for "rogue insulation installers" trying to swindle the rebate out of unsuspecting consumers or promising rebate eligibility to ineligible customers. The issues can sometimes go beyond the rebate and have safety implications. 
    
Queensland Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said at the time, "Not only could you find yourself out of pocket, but when insulation is installed incorrectly it can be a major fire hazard."
    
Overcharging and fraudulent invoicing isn't the only issue - as reported last month by solar power company Energy Matters, many Australians have been taking advantage of subsidised roof insulation, unaware that in doing so they are then not able to apply for the Australian Federal Government solar hot water heater rebate.
    
The $1,600 solar hot water rebate can in some circumstances make a new system around the same price as a standard electric hot water service. Some states also offer additional rebates, dropping the price even further. With insulation for some homes costing less than the $1600 that may be quoted, in these circumstances consumers may get more bang for their rebate buck by opting for solar hot water.

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Have you been affected by insulation rebate scams? Discuss the issue and alert others in the Energy Matters forums.
   

Tasmania's Renewable Energy Push

 

Tasmania Premier David Bartlett last week announced the establishment of the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Industry Development Board (TREIDB), the goals of which include promoting Tasmania as the international investment destination of choice for new renewable energy projects.
 
"I want Tasmania to become a global leader in renewable energy. What this will mean for mums and dads is that your kids and my kids will be able to get sustainable jobs right here for the long term.", said Mr. Bartlett.
 
One of the first projects under the new push for clean power in the state is the long term goal for renewable energy to replace diesel based power generation on Bass Strait islands. Diesel use on King Island for the 2008/09 financial year was 2.56 million litres and for Flinders Island over the same period, the amount consumed was 1.20 million litres.
 
Thirty five percent of King Island's energy needs are already supplied by wind energy and solar power, which saved approximately 1.39 million litres last financial year. This is around 4,000 tonnes of avoided emissions, or the equivalent of removing about 1,400 cars from the road.
 
Switching the Bass Strait islands to 100% renewable energy is about more than clean energy, according to the Premier - it's about creating sustainable jobs for the local population.
 
“It’s about mums and dads not having to see their kids go elsewhere to create a future for themselves.”
 
Mr Bartlett said the Bass Strait Islands have natural resource advantages that make them very attractive as a test bed for renewable energy technologies such as wind, wave and tidal power.
 
“For Tasmania climate change is not just a challenge, but a significant opportunity for economic growth.”

“The TREIDB is working with the Government to take Tasmania from being a national leader in renewable energy, to a global leader and the Bass Strait Islands will be the first beneficiaries.”

News for Monday 05 October, 2009

 

• Premier Bligh Opens Queensland's Solar Powered Bridge
  

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