The topic of renewables, transitioning to and the costs associated are of concern to many residents. In response, a QWN (Question without Notice) was asked in Parliament on March 21, 2018 to the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy as follows:
“With reference to the affordability of solar power, will the Minister advise what specific initiatives are being developed to facilitate a transition to solar power or alternative for those households that cannot afford the initial outlay, nor take out loans to do so, or may be disadvantaged through increasing power prices during the transition?”
Read the Minister’s response at page 574 of Hansard under Renewable Energy.
In summary, Dr Lynham references the following points in his response:
1. No Interest Loans for renewable energy with battery storage for eligible members from the Noosa electorate and throughout the State.
a. The QLD Government is investing $21 million dollars to provide no-interest loans for solar and battery storage as well as a solar battery rebate scheme. This takes effect in 2018 and depends on a range of factors.
https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/energy-water-home/solar
2. Public Housing Sector ‘Sunny Savers Trial’ for Solar Energy
a. Solar Energy Trials are being initiated in the various areas within Queensland to reduce energy costs for the public housing sector. How the outcomes from these trials will impact the Noosa Electorate is not yet known, however we will be following these trials with great interest. https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/solar-power-trials
3. Affordable Energy Plan – Electricity Rebates
a. The Affordable Energy Plan includes electricity and gas rebates for eligible Asylum Seekers, Concession Card Holders and Seniors. This is not related directly to renewable technology but does serve to make energy consumption more affordable. https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/energy/initiatives/affordable-energy-plan
b. The Queensland Government has allocated $20 million dollars in rebates to households converting to energy efficient appliances. https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/about-energy-efficient-rebate
4. State Government’s guarantee of no price increase to power bills above average inflation for two years
a. “Owning our power assets gives us a unique ability to reinvest all the dividends in making electricity more affordable, something other states that have sold of their generators, poles and wires cannot do,” the Premier said.
“In June, we reinvested $770 million in dividends to keep average household price rises to 3.3% this year – lower than any other mainland State in the National Electricity Market, some of which have seen prices increase by up to 20 per cent.”
5. Powering Qld Plan to reduce power prices for Queenslanders
a. There are a number of strategies within this plan and more information can be read in the following link. https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/energy/initiatives/powering-queensland
Whilst there were a lot of good points raised by the Minister in his response, this is an area I am watching with great interest as I believe more can be done and done more efficiently, through initiatives that can be developed with assistance to our community.