In a shock move on Friday 13th May, the NSW Government Minister for Energy Chris Hartcher announced a retrospective tariff rate reduction from 60 cents to 40 cents for eligible solar power customers.

This will adversely affect 110,000 NSW customers and has outraged consumers and solar companies alike.

Rewind back to NSW parliament on 24/11/2009 The Hon Catherine Cusack from the Liberal Party made this comment in her speech in response to the original legislation being introduced. "I put a caveat on that with one important statement: any changes the coalition undertakes will not make existing scheme participants worse off. Certainty is the key. Certainty means that no changes should be retrospective." You can view the full response to the Electricity Supply Amendment Bill here.

How can the NSW public trust any decision or policy that our governments release with blatant examples of retrospective amendments to suit themselves. This has far reaching implications beyond the tortured solar industry dancing to the tune of the ever changing policies of the day.

 

Mr Alex Wrightson from Superior Solar said "the government continue to incorrectly point the finger at renewable energy driving up the cost of electricity and living. Then in return they turn around and reduce offset incomes from people who have invested in the power infrastructure of this state and in a means to help reduce their own living costs by installing solar power". Superior Solar have customers from all social economics with a range of different sized systems. We have pensioners who have invested just enough solar to cover their energy bills based on $0.60 and now the government are destroying that security these people had.

 

The way that the solar industry and renewable energy is treated by governments around this country is appalling. Both state and Federal governments continue to bungle scheme after scheme. We ask that they partake in better community and industry communication and develop strategies and policies that are sustainable and secure for this industry.

Review the full NSW Government Announcement

For more information contact: Alex Wrightson, Manager Superior Solar, Phone: 4323 9050

Established for over 10 years Superior Solar offers experience, quality products and service and an extensive customer care program through out Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast.