29 February, 2012
Sun sets early on Federal hot water rebate scheme
The Federal government has chosen to immediately end a proven and effective household rebate for solar hot water systems, creating turmoil for the solar water industry and wasting opportunities for household cost and energy savings, according to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
“Australian households have sent the Federal government a strong message with their sustained up-take of household hot water systems – they want more sustainable, cost-effective options for energy use at home,” Chief Executive Officer Pepe Clarke said today.
“Electric water heating is one of the biggest contributors to household carbon pollution, responsible for up to 25% of green house gas emissions from an average home. Electric heating of water for a four minute shower uses the same amount of energy as a standard television running for 16 hours.
“Installing a solar hot water heater can reduce energy consumption, save money on household energy bills and cut carbon emissions.
“Less than one in ten hot water systems in Australia are solar powered [1] so the potential energy, carbon pollution and household budget savings from switching to clean energy are enormous.
“Our clean energy future relies on a stable, predictable investment environment for the community and business. Chopping and changing policies, and axing successful household renewable energy schemes at short notice holds back those community members, industries and investors ready to make the switch to free hot water from the sun.
“Fast-tracking the development and promotion of clean energy and power savings are vital given the impacts of climate change. Increasing opportunities for renewable energies at a household level can create help reduce power bills and create new jobs while protecting the climate.
“The Nature Conservation Council urges the Federal government to build on the popular support for the household solar hot water heater scheme, and explore new, cost-effective opportunities for the growth of cleaner energy options,” Mr Clarke said.
[1] http://bit.ly/ySsEG6
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Federal environmental laws
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