Networks, not solar, driving rising electricity costs

www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au
6 October 2010

Australia's clean energy peak body says the cost of supporting residential solar power is a drop in the ocean compared to billions of dollars in network costs that are driving big increases in electricity prices in NSW. In relation to claims by electricity generators today, Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said it was ridiculous to hang the rising price of electricity in NSW around the neck of the solar industry.

"The Australian Energy Regulator estimates the cost of improving the electricity network in NSW at more than $14 billion over five years. Based on the 50MW installed under the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme, the cost of solar electricity from the current scheme is less than 4% of this", Mr Warren said. "Solar power systems will help to reduce electricity costs for householders, and as the cost of this clean energy continues to fall more households will be able to immunise themselves from rising electricity prices", he said.

Mr Warren said solar power was helping to transform the way Australians think about energy. "Effectively the NSW government is building a peak load power station across the rooftops of NSW, which is co-funded by householders and the network", he said. "It's a different way of generating energy. It's what a clean energy future is going to look like. "The people of Australia want action on climate change and cheaper clean energy. Solar feed-in tariff programs are about developing the solar industry, making use of Australia's abundant sunshine".

Mr Warren said NSW required the use of solar installers accredited with the Clean Energy Council. This scheme requires the use of qualified industry professionals and licensed electricians, helping to ensure solar power systems meet Australian Standards.