Govt hopes to drive smarter energy use

15th Feb 2012

The government is taking steps to promote the use of smarter energy across the nation, which may lead to a greater uptake of solar power systems.

A number of programs have been set up, including the Community Energy Efficiency Program that has $200 million allocated to help energy efficiency upgrades among local government, not-for-profit and community organisations.

Meanwhile, the Low Income Energy Efficiency Program supports groups of service providers who are responsible for showing how smarter energy use can be implemented in low-income households.

Small and medium-sized businesses, on the other hand, could seek assistance from the Energy Efficiency Information Grants program.

The government has set out to enable all Australians to take advantage of the initiatives, regardless of where they live or how much they earn.

Business, councils and community groups will all be involved in ensuring the programs are properly implemented and delivered in the best possible way.

It is anticipated that regional communities and small-scale councils will be able to easily access assistance and support to help them towards their goal of a low-carbon future.

One of the government's major energy efficiency schemes - Solar Flagship - was recently criticised by campaign group Beyond Zero Emissions.

It said that so far, investment has been made in the wrong types of technology and that the government had failed to take the lead of leading renewable energy economies.

Group director Matthew Wright said: "Germany, Spain, Italy and China, favour placing rooftop solar on your local supermarket or hardware store rooftop, or at home where very little needs to be spent on integrating the technology and paybacks are sooner."

He suggested that solar panels installed on rooftops make more economic sense than some other systems as they are able to compete in the retail electricity market.

Mr Wright questioned why a product that has competitive retail pricing would be required to compete in the wholesale market.

"It's like asking your local Woolworths to compete with Metcash or the Footscray Wholesale Fruitand Vegetable market," he commented.

The government has suggested that local authorities have so far played a big role in moving towards a low-carbon future.

Wagga Wagga City Council, for example, has joined forces with Low Carbon Australia to lower its energy costs by around $60,000 a year, making it a first for local government.

People need to realise that smarter energy use is the key to a cleaner future, rather than changing the way they live their lives, the government emphasised.

Posted by Bob Dawson



    

Solar Power News Categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Government Rebate & Regulations

Consumers to lose out on solar power payments?
Grants announced to improve SME energy efficiency
Victorians get their say on feed-in tariffs
Budget benefits business solar
Queensland to benefit from electricity price freeze
Newman bids farewell to ClimateSmart Home Service
Territorians urged to lower energy consumption
Solar panels may be cheaper than you think
Australia 'will be vulnerable' with no climate change action
Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise
Act now to take advantage of solar power rebates
NSW braced for higher electricity prices
Dubbo named Australia's top solar postcode
Choose a feed-in tariff suited to your location
Eco experts gather in Melbourne
Australia needs to think big with solar energy
New South Wales 'ripped off' by solar power proposals
Are you concerned about electricity prices?
Solar panel customers 'should benefit from feed-in tariff'
Wider solar power deployment needed in Australia
Solar hot water still 'the best way' to lower electricity bills
Alternatives to Solar Flagships program 'should be sought'
Pacific Hydro seeks to save solar project
Govt hopes to drive smarter energy use
QLD 'lacks ambition' over solar energy
Renewable energy grant mechanisms 'need evaluating'
Solar Flagships funding reopens for PV
South Australians to save more with new feed-in tariff
WA government scraps energy office
More budget woes for WA solar scheme
Solar industry supports government white paper
Solar Flagships deadline approaches
NSW feed-in tariff reviewed
Solar big in Canberra and selected Australian postcodes
Government investment in energy projects falls
Carbon tax approved
WA households struggling to pay for electricity
Renewable energy agency to be created
Power prices in NSW on the rise despite wholesale cost cut
7 cent payment 'not fair price' for WA households
Clean Energy Future bill passes amidst praise from solar sector
Industry body: 'Now is a great time to buy solar power'
Public's perception of solar overwhelmingly positive
Google believes in solar panels in the home
Renewable energy body: pass clean energy bills now
Leading authorities meet to build Australian solar future
Solar power set to become competitive energy source by 2020
NSW budget criticised by solar body
New laws to deliver solar boost to Australia
"Serious" solar subsidies needed in QLD

2009 to 2012 SolarQuotes | Solar Power Quotes, Installers, Panels, Systems, Energy, Electricity | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact