The Australian Solar Council is drumming up support for what it terms is a ‘David vs. Goliath’ campaign to counter the companies exerting their influence in an attempt to abolish the Renewable Energy Target.
Solar supporters are urged to carry out actions such as donating to fund an information campaign, writing to local members and using social media to raise awareness of the threat.
“We do not want two classes of Australians, those who have benefited from the RET, and everybody else who might be locked out,” says Australian Solar Council CEO John Grimes.
“Why should big energy companies be treated as protected monopoly providers?…This campaign is about fairness, and a fair go. It’s about speaking for the community and allowing competition, not protecting monopolies.”
3.5 million Australians have indicated a desire to go solar in the next 5 years; but with even Prime Minister Abbott continually issuing negative signals regarding the RET; the campaign will need all the support it can muster.
Renewable Energy Target Quick Facts
– The Renewable Energy Target is in place to ensure at least 20% of Australia’s energy comes from renewable energy.
– The Renewable Energy Target has generated $18.5 billion of investment and could generate a further $18.7 billion to 2030 if left untouched.
– The RET has created approximately 30,000 jobs, thousands of which will be lost if the RET is abolished.
– It has supported the installation of more than two million small-scale energy systems across Australia.
– It has reduced carbon emissions by 22.5 megatonnes.
– The RET has resulted in wholesale power price rises being reined in.
– The RET has added more than 14,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity to Australia’s energy mix.
– Depending on the state, the RET adds between just $1 to around $2 a week to residential energy bills and that amount will decrease without further intervention.
