REC Agents Association (RAA) has called on the Federal Government to clarify the future of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), part of the Renewable Energy Target.
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane is yet to make assurances (or otherwise) in terms of what will occur with support for non-household solar panel systems.
“The RAA welcomes the Government’s announcement that there will be no changes to household solar, but our industry also helps small and medium sized businesses cut their power bills and we have no idea what is happening to that support program,” said Ric Brazzale, RAA President.
“RAA is deeply concerned the Government is planning to exclude non-household solar systems from the SRES. We are also concerned that non-household solar panel systems (above 10 kilowatts) are placed into the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target, whilst also dramatically cutting the large-scale target.”
The RAA is seeking a meeting with the Industry Minister and Environment Minister Greg Hunt.
The Australian Solar Council has also expressed concern.
“It is now clear Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane remains committed to rolling back the Renewable Energy Target, including Small Scale Solar, as far as possible,” said Australia Solar Council CEO John Grimes.
The Council has launched a pledge to demonstrate support in the community for solar and keeping the existing Renewable Energy Target continues to be very strong.
“This pledge (which sends an email from you to the Government and Labor) is our best immediate chance to make sure the Federal government and Opposition knows we are watching and will hold them to account.”
The pledge draws attention to the fact that even the much-criticised Warburton Report, compiled by a government-picked panel and referred to by Mr. Grimes as “Tony Abbott’s love child”, acknowledged renewable energy will drive electricity prices down for everyone. Regardless, the report recommended cutting the RET. One the few groups to benefit from such a cut would be coal fired power generators.
