A new study has found that almost 70 per cent of Australian households will be better off under the federal government’s carbon package.
Analysis conducted by the University of Canberra’s National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) estimates that, through tax cuts and government payments, the overall net gain to households will be $2.50 per week.
This calculation is in excess of the treasury's own modelling, which predicts a net gain of 20 cents.
"The assistance package is shown to be generous enough to provide an average net benefit to households from the current carbon price and the expected higher carbon prices up to 2015-16," said NATSEM principal research fellow Ben Phillips.
With this news, many households may find themselves in the position to afford new technologies that will help contribute to the government's clean energy future – something which the peak body for sustainable energy in Australia has recently reported on.
Sustainable Energy Australia (SEA) released its solar industry survey for the month of October, indicating that now is the best time to invest in solar power.
They recognised that "growth in the sustainable energy market will ultimately result in competition between businesses", leading to the best price possible for the customer.
According to SEA, solar power users also became more aware of their electricity consumption and environmental impact, reducing electricity usage by an average of 20 per cent.
The SEA findings indicate that an increasing number of Australians are now focused on changing their patterns of behaviour when it comes to energy consumption.
With the federal government’s move towards clean energy – in addition to the impending carbon tax – more Australian households than ever are seeking affordable alternatives to fossil fuel-based energy.
One accessible option for many households would be rooftop solar power systems.
The ability to generate their own energy not only leaves households relying less on their local electricity grid, but also provides a way to save money and the environment at the same time.
Solar power systems also present the possibility of taking part in the feed-in tariff scheme – a government incentive that takes the excess energy a household generates and feeds it back into the local electricity grid. Those wishing to take part should check with their local government to see if any are available in their area.
Posted by Mike Peacock – Solar Correspondent