Jump in GreenPower

Age
Monday 2/3/2009 Page: 6

GREENPOWER subscriptions jumped dramatically last year, with the number of Australian households paying extra to support renewable energy approaching 880,000.

The 26% rise comes as energy companies and environmentalists warn that the Federal Government's proposed emissions trading scheme could hit household subscriptions to green electricity. Lobby group GetUp! last week launched a campaign warning that, under the scheme, voluntary cuts in emissions would limit the reductions necessary by big industry.

Figures released yesterday showed Victoria had the most GreenPower subscriptions, with 330,000 households signed on - 37% of the national total. Price comparison service Switchwise said Origin Energy was the most successful GreenPower retailer.