Queensland Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle has announced reforms to the Solar Bonus Scheme and feed-in tariffs. The mandated 8 cent tariff paid to solar photovoltaic owners by the network businesses Energex and Ergon will end on 30 June 2014 and retail businesses will be responsible for offering tariffs after this date. According to the Queensland Government, there will be different tariff arrangements in place for south east Queensland and regional Queensland due to the different levels of competition in the areas. The new tariff arrangements will include: Ergon Region Ergon Energy customers will continue to receive a tariff paid by Ergon Retail This rate will be set by the Queensland Competition Authority until there is enough retail competition in regional areas to make solar more self-sufficient. Energex Region Energex will no longer pay the 8 cent feed-in tariff Customers will be able to negotiate a tariff with their retailer The Government will not regulate a rate. Downward pressure on electricity prices will be created after the Newman Government announced reforms to the Solar Bonus Scheme, according to the Queensland Government. Minister McArdle said, “Left unchecked, the 8 cent feed-in tariff would cost Queensland households and businesses an extra $110 million on their power bills over the next six years. “These reforms will mean electricity retailers will pay any newly negotiated solar tariff direct to users. “These are common-sense decisions that will produce a positive outcome for existing customers on the 8 cent rate, as well as new solar owners. “The existing 44 cent feed-in tariff will remain unchanged for customers that remain eligible.” At present, Energex area consumers may already receive a further payment from a retailer. ecogeneration.au/news/qld_government_announces_feed-in_tariff_reforms/086066/?
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 09:21:54 +0000