AuSES rallies against NSW solar feed in tariff cut

Wed, 3 November 2010

The Australian Solar Energy Society has launched a campaign to reverse the New South Wales Government's decision to reduce the solar rooftop feed-in tariff.

The campaign will include a rally at the Sydney Town Hall on Thursday 4 November at 10 am, and currently the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) is collecting impact statements detailing the losses that have been – and will be – incurred, by solar businesses in Sydney and across New South Wales as a result of the reduction in financial support from the Government. Statements are being collected via email to be forwarded on to various media outlets and the New South Wales Government.

“This decision by the NSW government has underestimated the impact on the solar industry. They have swung the tax too hard and jobs will be slashed and businesses ruined” said AuSES CEO John Grimes.

“Businesses are reporting that they have lost 80 to 90 per cent of their work, and people have already been laid off” Mr Grimes continued.

AuSES proposes that the New South Wales Government finds a middle ground regarding the solar rooftop feed-in tariff, and have proposed that 45 cents per kilowatt hour would be a reasonable remuneration sum.

AuSES is currently accepting donations to support their campaign. Further details about donations, and providing personal accounts of the impact of the New South Wales Government decision to cut the feed-in tariff rate can be found at the AuSES website.

The following message from AuSES CEO John Grimes is for the attention of solar companies:

Solar Crisis Rally

Solar Companies,
Our campaign to return fairness to the NSW feed in tariff is gaining momentum.

We have met with the Federal Government, and clearly put the message that change to the REC multiplier, and the $40 small scale REC price in the short term would be terrible for the industry in NSW, and would fuel uncertainly in other states.

We have also held constructive talks with the Opposition and Greens in NSW.

We continue to seek meetings with the NSW Government.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union has also thrown its weight behind us, because they know this decision will hurt Australian solar manufacturing jobs.

To build on this momentum however we need two things.

First we need a mass show of support on Thursday morning at the Solar Crisis Rally at Sydney Town Hall starting at 10am.

The politicians, media and public do not yet understand just how damaging this has been for business in NSW, including small business, and those in regional areas who have been hard hit. It is important that we show how many jobs are at risk, and the strength of our resolve to achieve a fair outcome.

I have advised the Sydney Town Hall to upgrade our meeting to the main hall, which seats 1,000 people. Work the phones, and make sure that we pack the house.

Second, we need to continue this campaign well past Thursday. That will take resources and commitment. If you have not yet donated to the cause, please do so now, so we have the resources to fight this campaign over the longer term.

For up to the minute information on the rally, including our press release visit our website, and continue to share your stories with us at: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Regards,

John Grimes | Chief Executive | Australian Solar Energy Society

E: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) P: +61 400 102 396

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