Debnam's Solar Pledge a Goer

Tuesday, 13 February 2007 00:47

“This pledge is a great initiative,” said Jane Castle, TEC campaigner. “It’s one small piece in the climate change puzzle. It should be followed by a commitment to zero energy growth by 2010. We look forward to Iemma’s response.”

“The pledge puts pressure on the NSW Government to do better.  If either Party’s serious about reigning in our wasteful use of polluting power, they’ll commit to halting new consumption.  Reducing energy demand pays off with reduced greenhouse pollution, lower electricity bills and more efficient infrastructure.”

The NSW Opposition today released its ‘Solar Homes’ plan, promising to allocate $58 million to solar hot water with rebates between $500 and $1000.  Electric hot water is the largest producer of greenhouse emissions in Australian homes.

“Debnam’s rebate pledge doesn’t quite close the gap between electric and solar, but the reduced running costs of solar will more than make up for it.  A well-designed scheme should drive the market so that prices come down even further. 

“Solar hot water should be mandatory for all new homes, rather than being optional under the current Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) scheme.  Failing that, solar should be cheaper than electric so that replacement with solar is a no-brainer.  If the Energy Savings Fund isn’t delivering this sort of initiative, we can only ask – why not?” 

“At the moment electric hot water enjoys a hidden subsidy because it doesn’t pay for greenhouse pollution.  It’s a perverse incentive for climate change.”

To address climate change, NSW environment groups are calling for:

* Legislated greenhouse emissions reductions of 30% by 2020
* Zero energy growth by 2010
* 25% renewable energy by 2020
* A moratorium on new coal fired power and coal mines
* A transport strategy to reverse growth in greenhouse pollution
* A genuine end to land clearing

To see the groups’ report, NSW Action on Climate Change, see the media section of this website.