Published Saturday, 02 June, 2007 at 05:00 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Mines and Energy
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
GOVERNMENT MOVES TO HELP HOMEOWNERS DO THEIR BIT TO HELP STOP CLIMATE CHANGE
Queenslanders wanting to do their bit to reduce their household’s greenhouse gas emissions will now receive a helping hand from the Queensland Government.
Premier Peter Beattie today announced that the Government would offer eligible households up to $500 if they replace an electric appliance with a gas appliance.
“This $4 Million three-year rebate scheme will help owners of existing home across Queensland to upgrade to gas hot water systems, stoves and ovens, dryers and heaters,” Mr Beattie said.
“We are optimistic that the gas rebate scheme will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions at a household level by around 15,000 tonnes over the next three years.
“That’s equivalent to taking 3,500 cars off the road.
“Gas has half the carbon dioxide emissions of that produced by electricity from coal-fired power stations.
“Climate change is a global problem but each of us can make a difference by making small changes to the way we live and work,” the Premier said.
The Premier said families could claim a $300 rebate to replace their existing electric hot water systems with a Five Star rated gas system.
Rebates of up to $200 will be available for people replacing cooktops, heaters and clothes dryers - only people who have installed a gas hot water system can apply for rebates on the other appliances.
A maximum of $500 will be paid per installation address.
Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said up to 7,500 households across Queensland will benefit from the rebate scheme which was an election commitment.
“Households that meet the criteria will be eligible for a rebate of up to $500 to help with the installation of gas,” Mr Wilson said.
“The scheme will apply to existing homes where the homeowner installs gas appliances to replace electric, and some non-electric appliances.
“It’s ideal for home renovators who are updating and replacing their appliances.
“Eligibility for the rebate will apply from the very day we announced our commitment – 7 September, 2006,” Mr Wilson said.
“Gas now provides more than 2,000 megawatts of the state’s electricity generating capacity.
“There’s a further 1700 megawatts of gas-fired generating capacity on the drawing board, due in no small part to our 13% gas scheme which requires large electricity retailers to source at least 13% of their energy from gas-fired generation.
“LPG, and gas generally, are destined to play a significant role in helping to meet the energy needs of our rapidly-growing population.
“The gas rebate scheme and our 13% gas scheme mean that households and big business can also play a significant role by working in partnership with the State Government in helping to meet the challenges of climate change,” Mr Wilson said.
The Minister said the gas rebate scheme would apply to existing homes connected to reticulated natural gas, reticulated LPG and bottled LPG.
Householders will apply directly to their gas retailer and they will process the application and deliver the rebate on behalf of the State Government by crediting their gas bill.
Mr Wilson congratulated industry partners who had worked closely with the government to implement the scheme.
“The continued support of the gas industry will be instrumental in the success of the scheme,” he said.
Mr Wilson said changes were also happening to the gas market with the introduction of full retail competition on 1 July.
Legislation was passed by State Parliament late last year that paved the way for gas prices in Queensland to become more closely linked to the cost of supply.
“From 1 July, gas retailers will set gas prices. And retailers need to be mindful that it is a competitive market and customers will be looking for the best possible prices.
“I’ll be watching closely to check that any price changes are reasonable and in line with the cost of supply,” Mr Wilson said.
The Minister said that moving to a more sustainable pricing structure and the introduction of the rebate scheme meant the industry could grow and invest with confidence in new gas networks.
“Gas could hold the key as a transitional fuel source while emerging renewable energy and clean coal technologies are being developed,” Mr Wilson said.
To find out more about the gas rebate scheme log onto: www.dme.qld.gov.au/gasrebate or call 3247 3254 during business hours.
Information packs on the gas rebate scheme will be provided to gas product retailers and gas fitters.
Saturday June 2, 2007
Media Inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500 or Minister’s Office: 3225 1819
Premier Peter Beattie today announced that the Government would offer eligible households up to $500 if they replace an electric appliance with a gas appliance.
“This $4 Million three-year rebate scheme will help owners of existing home across Queensland to upgrade to gas hot water systems, stoves and ovens, dryers and heaters,” Mr Beattie said.
“We are optimistic that the gas rebate scheme will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions at a household level by around 15,000 tonnes over the next three years.
“That’s equivalent to taking 3,500 cars off the road.
“Gas has half the carbon dioxide emissions of that produced by electricity from coal-fired power stations.
“Climate change is a global problem but each of us can make a difference by making small changes to the way we live and work,” the Premier said.
The Premier said families could claim a $300 rebate to replace their existing electric hot water systems with a Five Star rated gas system.
Rebates of up to $200 will be available for people replacing cooktops, heaters and clothes dryers - only people who have installed a gas hot water system can apply for rebates on the other appliances.
A maximum of $500 will be paid per installation address.
Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said up to 7,500 households across Queensland will benefit from the rebate scheme which was an election commitment.
“Households that meet the criteria will be eligible for a rebate of up to $500 to help with the installation of gas,” Mr Wilson said.
“The scheme will apply to existing homes where the homeowner installs gas appliances to replace electric, and some non-electric appliances.
“It’s ideal for home renovators who are updating and replacing their appliances.
“Eligibility for the rebate will apply from the very day we announced our commitment – 7 September, 2006,” Mr Wilson said.
“Gas now provides more than 2,000 megawatts of the state’s electricity generating capacity.
“There’s a further 1700 megawatts of gas-fired generating capacity on the drawing board, due in no small part to our 13% gas scheme which requires large electricity retailers to source at least 13% of their energy from gas-fired generation.
“LPG, and gas generally, are destined to play a significant role in helping to meet the energy needs of our rapidly-growing population.
“The gas rebate scheme and our 13% gas scheme mean that households and big business can also play a significant role by working in partnership with the State Government in helping to meet the challenges of climate change,” Mr Wilson said.
The Minister said the gas rebate scheme would apply to existing homes connected to reticulated natural gas, reticulated LPG and bottled LPG.
Householders will apply directly to their gas retailer and they will process the application and deliver the rebate on behalf of the State Government by crediting their gas bill.
Mr Wilson congratulated industry partners who had worked closely with the government to implement the scheme.
“The continued support of the gas industry will be instrumental in the success of the scheme,” he said.
Mr Wilson said changes were also happening to the gas market with the introduction of full retail competition on 1 July.
Legislation was passed by State Parliament late last year that paved the way for gas prices in Queensland to become more closely linked to the cost of supply.
“From 1 July, gas retailers will set gas prices. And retailers need to be mindful that it is a competitive market and customers will be looking for the best possible prices.
“I’ll be watching closely to check that any price changes are reasonable and in line with the cost of supply,” Mr Wilson said.
The Minister said that moving to a more sustainable pricing structure and the introduction of the rebate scheme meant the industry could grow and invest with confidence in new gas networks.
“Gas could hold the key as a transitional fuel source while emerging renewable energy and clean coal technologies are being developed,” Mr Wilson said.
To find out more about the gas rebate scheme log onto: www.dme.qld.gov.au/gasrebate or call 3247 3254 during business hours.
Information packs on the gas rebate scheme will be provided to gas product retailers and gas fitters.
Saturday June 2, 2007
Media Inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500 or Minister’s Office: 3225 1819