Federal budget puts heat on Rees inaction on solar tariff

Dr Kaye said: “NSW Energy Minister Ian Macdonald will no doubt be distracted by the budget’s $2 billion Carbon Capture and Storage fund. He will be trying to steer the state to a clean coal dead end.

“The real jobs boom will be in the Renewable Australia, Solar Flag Ships and Energy Efficiency programs.

“Without a concerted effort from the NSW government, the state will lose out not only on the $2 billion in these green energy initiatives, but also on the employment growth in developing and rolling out these technologies.

“The Rees government announced their intention to introduce a solar feed-in tariff in late November 2008.

“Almost six months later NSW has made no progress towards helping households overcoming the upfront costs of solar panels.

“While other states and the ACT are busy introducing some form of higher payments for power generated by rooftop solar power, the Rees government is caught in a battle between Treasury and the Department of Environment and Climate Change over the form of the tariff.

“Premier Nathan Rees needs to step in to make sure NSW is not left behind in the renewable energy boom.

“He must override  Treasury officials and their ally Energy Minister Ian Macdonald and immediately introduce a gross feed-in tarrif that pays for all of the solar energy generated.

“The NSW government has already squandered too much time on the clean coal road to nowhere. 

“It is time to get cracking on mechanisms that make sure this state is at the forefront of the renewable energy and energy efficiency revolution,” Dr Kaye said.

For more information:       John Kaye 0407 195 455