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    Coat of ArmsMedia Release
    Minister for Energy and Water Supply
    The Honourable Mark McArdle

    Solar Hot Water Rebate closes, saving taxpayers $10 million

    Minister for Energy and Water Supply
    The Honourable Mark McArdle

    Friday, June 22, 2012

    Solar Hot Water Rebate closes, saving taxpayers $10 million

    The State Government has announced its Solar Hot Water Rebate program will cease at close of business today (Friday 22 June, 2012).

    Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle said the rebate is ending as part of the Newman Government’s election commitment to fix the state’s finances and get the state back on track.

    “Applications for the rebate have slowed over the last six months and the cost of delivering the service for a reduced number of applicants can’t be sustained,” Mr McArdle said.

    “By closing the program today, we will save taxpayers up to $10 million.

    “This cost saving is all part of the government’s plan to get this state back on track.”

    Since the Solar Hot Water Rebate commenced on 1 July 2010, approximately $25.9 million in rebates has been paid to more than 35,000 eligible Queensland residents.

    Mr McArdle said getting rid of an old electric hot water system and replacing it with a solar hot water system would still make sense to many households, even without a rebate.

    “Switching to a solar system can save households up to 25 per cent on annual energy costs, so households should still consider the ongoing financial benefits,” he said.

    Applicants who have purchased or paid a deposit on a solar hot water system or heat pump before close of business today, will have until Friday 27 July 2012 to have their system installed, in order to receive the rebate.

    Applicants who meet all the eligibility criteria and have installed a solar hot water system, or heat pump, must then submit their fully and correctly completed application form, including all supporting documentation by close of business on Friday 28 September 2012.

    “This will allow enough time for those householders who have purchased, or paid a deposit on a solar hot water system or heat pump by today, to apply for the rebate after their new system is installed,” he said.

    Applicants can call 13 43 87 or visit www.cleanenergy.qld.gov.au for further information about the requirements, and to download the current guideline and application forms.

    [ENDS] 22 June 2012

    Media contact: Minister’s Office – 3896 3698
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