Melbourne, Victoria, 25 February 2009. A petition calling for the Federal Government to implement a national solar gross feed-in tariff program has already gathered over 10,000 signatures in support, less than a month after it was launched.
The FeedInTariff.com.au petition is backed by key lobby and industry groups, including the Australian Greens, the Alternative Technology Association, a range of environmental sites and renewable energy bodies.
FeedInTariff.com.au calls for the introduction of a uniform gross feed-in tariff system similar to the model being launched by the ACT Government, where owners of solar power systems are paid a premium rate for each kilowatt hour of electricity they produce.
Each state in Australia currently has its own tariff system. Most programs, where they exist, use an inferior net model, where only surplus electricity generated receives a premium payment.
FeedInTariff.com.au was launched by Australian renewable energy provider Energy Matters in response to customer frustration over the Government’s slow progress in drafting a gross feed-in tariff platform.
Energy Matters spokesman Andrew Scarlett said the organisation had been lobbying for a gross feed-in tariff for a long time. “We were frustrated by the lack of action from more subtle behind-the-scenes efforts, so we decided to take this more public initiative.”
“Feed-in tariffs work. They’re good for the economy, good for the environment and they make people part of the solution to climate change. This petition tells Government its electors are watching, they want to be part of the solution and expect Government to give them that opportunity”, Mr Scarlett said.
Energy Matters also launched a Facebook group “Help PM Rudd Choose a solar future“, which accumulated more than 1,000 members in under a week.
“The incredible response to the initiative has not been driven by paid advertising, but mostly through word of mouth by Australians concerned about the country’s future. These people are saying they want to be part of the solution to the problems caused by coal. The results show considerable support for a national gross feed-in tariff. The electorate wants Prime Minister Rudd to shift the focus from coal to a solar future for our nation”, Mr. Scarlett said.
“All that remains for a solid feed-in tariff program to come to fruition is for political will to reflect the will of the voting public. Successful gross feed in-tariff programs have been established around the world, resulting in marked increased uptake of solar and wind power, stimulating local economies and helping governments towards their renewable energy targets.”
While the goal of FeedInTariff.com.au is for a national program, Energy Matters also continues to lobby on a state-by-state basis.
Markus Lambert, the company’s NSW manager, met with NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change Carmel Tebbutt early in February to consult on the issue. Early last week, Mr. Lambert also met with NSW Shadow Minister for Climate Change, the Hon. Catherine Cusack MLC, to discuss the opposition’s gross feed-in tariff proposal.
The NSW Coalition recently made a commitment for a feed-in tariff scheme should they win the next state election in 2011. “Our discussions centred on the benefit of the gross feed-in tariff and Energy Matters’ availability to help shape the NSW opposition policy, with a view to achieving the best possible program for consumers and the industry alike.” said Mr. Lambert.
Mr Lambert is also a member of a panel of experts from the World Future Council, an international organisation pursuing the implementation of feed-in tariff programs on a global scale.
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About Energy Matters – Energy Matters is one of Australia’s largest companies solely dedicated to renewable energy. Energy Matters is active on an industry level and in the community in lobbying the Government on challenges facing the local renewable energy sector and providing education on topics relating to solar and wind energy, sustainability and other environmental issues.
CONTACT:
Andrew Scarlett
Energy Matters
PH: 1300 727 151
andrew.scarlett@energymatters.com.au
https://www.energymatters.com.au
