Posts Tagged ‘Energy’

MEDIA RELEASE | Energy Efficiency Makeover for Canberra

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Greens lead candidate for Ginninderra, Meredith Hunter, today announced a plan to better utilise Federal funding allocated to the ACT for household energy efficiency.

“The ACT Greens Energy Efficiency Makeover plan will increase the roll out and scale, targeting houses below a 3-star rating,” Hunter said.

“The Greens are calling for the ACT Government to put $500,000 on the table now, to fund the plan that will put Canberra a step out in front and take full advantage of Federal funding.”

“Under the program, homes would have an expert assessment of what steps are needed to lift their energy rating, then the retrofit would be conducted by qualified tradespeople and installers.”

“This is an integrated program delivering a one-stop service for people to make their homes as energy efficient as possible.”

“Wall insulation, curtains and blinds, gap sealers, solar hot water and other efficiency measures will be paid for, over time, by reduced energy bills. The scheme will manage the debt by attaching it to the house, and organising repayments through energy bills”

The benefits for Canberra will include:

-For home owners it will mean houses that cost less to run and are worth more as an asset;
-For tenants it will mean a warmer home in winter, and cooler in summer;
-For local businesses it will be the chance to gear up for the eventual roll out of schemes like this across Australia.
-A dramatic drop in our greenhouse emissions, and the chance for Canberra to point the way for the rest of Australia.

“This program steps beyond the ad hoc rebates and subsidies offered by other parties, to make sure that the whole community is set up for a low energy future” Ms Hunter said.

MEDIA RELEASE | The ACT needs an Energy Strategy

Friday, October 3rd, 2008

An Energy Strategy, a strong renewable energy target, immediate moves for a renewable energy plant, and a focus on energy efficiency are the key elements of the ACT Greens Energy Initiative announced today by candidate for Molonglo, Shane Rattenbury.

“The ACT desperately needs an Energy Strategy. With an imperative to reduce greenhouse emissions, the likely introduction of an emissions trading scheme, and growing demand, the government needs a clear roadmap for how energy will be supplied in the future,” said Rattenbury.

“The Stanhope government promised in December 2004 to develop an Energy Strategy, and conducted extensive consultation in 2006, yet there is still nothing to show. Instead we are seeing ad hoc decision making on gas fired power stations, feed in tariffs and half hearted pre-feasibility studies for solar plants.”

“The Greens know of at least two consortia who are ready to go to build a solar thermal plant in the ACT, but the government has dragged the chain on this. Seeking bids from interested companies to establish a major renewable energy facility should start immediately after the election.”

Other key points in the initiative:
-A strong focus on energy efficiency. Cutting demand is an important part of the energy equation, and the most economic way to cut greenhouse emissions. Numerous studies and examples show that energy efficiency initiatives actually save money;
-The Energy Strategy must include a renewable energy target for the ACT. The Greens believe this should be at least 15% by 2012 and 25% by 2020. This would complement our previously announced initiative to have all government facilities purchasing 100% green power;
-Moving immediately to accept expressions of interest for a major renewable energy facility of at least 35MW. Market testing may see bids for even larger capacity.

“We live in an era where not having an Energy Strategy is simply irresponsible, and the Greens will seek to ensure this is rectified in the ACT as soon as possible,” concluded Rattenbury.