The NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher has announced that the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will conduct a review to determine a fair price paid for the solar power generated by household systems.

 

The review will also examine any economic gains being made by retailers paid under the Solar Bonus Scheme that could be distributed to assist with scheme funding.

 

Mr Hartcher also said that a Solar Energy Action Plan will be developed by a task force headed by the state’s Chief Scientist, Mary O’Kane, to guide the NSW solar industry’s development.

 

However, the renewable energy industry has warned that urgent action is needed to save the industry in the wake of the closure of the Solar Bonus Scheme.

 

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said that a future scheme was vital to stabilize the industry and protect jobs.

 

At the moment, customer orders have stopped and our members are telling us they are considering staff lay-offs,” Mr Warren said.  “The NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher’s pledge to engage IPART to conduct a review of the issue is encouraging and shows he’s listening to the industry, but we need to make sure we get on with the job – speed is of the essence.”

 

Mr Warren said that the Clean Energy Council is completing a detailed examination of support options for the solar industry.  He said interest in a national solar scheme was also welcome, but it was important not to be distracted from the urgent matter at hand.

 

“A support scheme that ends the boom-bust cycle, provides support for solar jobs and avoids unfair additional costs on households should be welcomed by all,” he said.

 

“NSW has a fresh chance to get this right, to provide incentives for solar to go into areas where does the most good, and in a way that is economically and politically sustainable. Australians love solar energy and we should be giving more households the opportunity to switch on to renewables to reduce their bills and reduce carbon pollution.”