Smart energy is the cheapest ticket says industry

Clean Energy Council
12 September 2008

NATIONAL: The Clean Energy Council today released their submission to the federal government's Green Paper, which highlighted the inclusion of energy efficiency as the cheapest path to a low carbon economy. "Implementing energy efficiency measures in homes and businesses will not only achieve dramatic emissions reductions, but will also save the nation from wasting extra energy and money" said Rob Jackson, GM Policy at the Clean Energy Council.

The Clean Energy Council estimates that the average household can save up to 15-20% off their electricity bills by making smart energy adjustments, such as upgrading insulation or installing solar water heaters. While the Council's submission highlighted the need for an emissions trading scheme over a carbon tax system, it warned that a carbon price alone would not achieve sufficient greenhouse gas abatement.

"We urgently need complementary measures like energy efficiency and renewable energy targets to ensure that emissions reductions are achieved quickly, safely and with minimal disruption to the economy and quality of life of everyday Australians" Mr Jackson stressed.

Also included in the submission was the definitive need for a price cap set well above the expected maximum carbon permit price. The Council indicated that the ramifications of a price cap set too low would be costly. "If we succumb to a price cap that isn't set high enough to encourage compliance, the government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) will be rendered ineffective and the nation's emissions will continue to rise" said Mr Jackson.


For more information download a full copy of the Clean Energy Council's submission by visiting www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au