Greenpeace is a step closer to the next phase of its campaign regarding what it refers to as the ‘Dirty Three’s’ assault against the Renewable Energy Target.
The group says AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin Energy are trying to weaken or scrap Australia’s successful RET.
“They spend millions spruiking a ‘clean and green’ brand to consumers like you and I. The truth is, ‘The Dirty Three’ are clinging on desperately to Australia’s old, coal-powered legacy in order to maintain a monopoly over your power supplies — and your power bills too!
Greenpeace have created a TV ad it aims to screen during the same highly-viewed ad slots used by energy companies and are requesting donations to go towards the cost of the campaign.
The ad points viewers to TheGreatEnergyRipoff – a petition site. Signatures gathered through the petition will be presented to the three companies in a high profile event.
“Over 10 million people buy their energy from these companies and they’re scared we’ll find out the truth about how successful the Renewable Energy Target really is,” states Greenpeace.
Some quick facts on the Renewable Energy Target from Australia’s Clean Energy Council:
Power bills:
Australian households will pay over $50 more for electricity in 2020 if the RET is dumped, and beyond 2020 household bills would be up to $140 more per year.
Jobs:
The RET will generate 18,400 new jobs by 2020 if retained in its current form.
Investment:
The RET will generate nearly $15 billion of investment in large-scale renewable energy projects by 2020 and billions of dollars more in household renewable energy systems if left unchanged.
Emissions:
Abolishing the RET would see 34.7 million extra tonnes of carbon emissions in the atmosphere by 2020.
Related:
Renewable Energy Target – Cost vs Value
