There are occasions when people in government like to hear what we everyday Australians have to say, and such an event has arisen in Victoria.
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has released its initial report into distributed electricity generation, which the government now wants our views on.
We're not suggesting for one minute that you should sit down and read the whole thing – it's unlikely to be the most thrilling document you've ever looked at.
In simple terms, the VCEC was asked to look at the design, effectiveness and efficiency of feed-in tariffs in Victoria and identify any highlights or flaws.
Feed-in tariffs work by rewarding people who generate renewable energy through solar panels or other means by paying them for any power they transport back to the grid.
However, there have been some quibbles over how the system currently works in Victoria – there's just no pleasing some people!
As a result, the state government called upon the VCEC to review the arrangements and is now asking for anyone with an interest in electricity generation to have their say.
The group has proposed that the existing feed-in tariffs should be phased out and replaced with a reasonable pricing structure for any energy supplied.
But wait, there's more! The VCEC also thinks it would be worthwhile to remove any barriers in the market that have so far prevented a fair market-driven price being offered for energy.
Leader of the inquiry and VCEC commissioner Deborah Cope said: "The proposals in this draft report aim to cut barriers to connecting small and medium-scale low emissions generators to the network, and moving towards a competitively set feed-in tariff for all low emissions and renewable technologies."
So, if you feel you have something worthwhile to say on the topic then these guys want to hear it – just make sure you've submitted your opinions by June 15!
Posted by Bob Dawson