APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR QLD SOLAR HOT WATER PROGRAM

Energy Minister Stephen Robertson today opened the application process for the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program that has been designed to help cut household electricity bills and reduce their carbon emissions.

Mr Robertson said hot water generation is the single biggest contributor to household energy bills.

From today approximately 28,000 Queenslanders who have registered their interest in the Program will start receiving their application packs by email and post.

“It’s never been more affordable for Queenslanders to switch to solar and save with the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program,” Mr Robertson said.

“The Program offers a standard installation, greenhouse efficient solar hot water system or heat pump for $100 to eligible Queensland pensioners and $500 to all other eligible Queensland households.

“We are delighted by the overwhelming response to be a part of a program that offers reductions in household electricity bills of up to 25% and cuts harmful household greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%.

“All Queenslanders can still register and then apply for the Program.

“Those who register for Program updates from 1 July will receive application packs after the first group of applicants have been processed.”

Mr Robertson said the government had outlined from the beginning that to qualify for this Program Queenslanders must also be eligible for the $1600 Federal Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate initiative and assign over Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to the installer.

“It is by leveraging these Federal initiatives and the might of the Bligh Government’s standing offer arrangement that we are able to deliver to Queenslanders solar hot water systems or heat pumps for such a low price,” he said.

“At the election the Bligh Government committed to providing Queenslanders with a solar hot water system or heat pump for a maximum of $500 and this government delivers on its promises.

“The government will pay $1600 to suppliers on behalf of program participants to ensure eligible Queenslanders receive a standard installation and system for only $500 or $100 up front.

“Once the system is installed Queenslanders can apply for the Federal rebate.

“When participants receive the $1600 rebate for participating in the Federal Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate initiative, the Queensland Program will require reimbursement of $1600.

“Queenslanders must ensure they are eligible for the $1600 Federal rebate and agree to sign over the RECs to the installer before applying for the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program.

“Unfortunately if someone is successful in having a solar hot water system or heat pump installed under our program - but are subsequently deemed ineligible for the $1600 Federal rebate - the participant will have to make up this difference.

“I urge Queenslanders to be diligent in their applications so they are not unexpectedly out of pocket.

“Let me be crystal clear you must be eligible for and willing to pay the Queensland Government the $1600 Federal rebate, and sign over RECs to the installer, to receive a $500 or $100 standard installation system under the Queensland program.

“Once the application has been approved the program manager will provide further details as to how the installation will progress.

“Participants in the Queensland program will also have to meet any council inspection fees which are charged by some councils when new hot water systems are installed.”

Mr Robertson said the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program represents one of the largest and most complex industry transformation projects of its kind in the state.

“It’s also a key part of this government’s recently announced Queensland Renewable Energy Plan – a comprehensive economic and industry development strategy aimed at accelerating the growth of the renewable energy sector in Queensland.

“We believe that successful implementation of the Plan will help to leverage up to $3.5 billion in new investment, create up to 3,500 new jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40 million tonnes by 2020.”

To register to participate in the scheme or to receive Program updates, visit the Office of Clean Energy website on www.cleanenergy.qld.gov.au, or call the Program hotline Monday-Friday 8am-5pm on 13 25 23.

ENDS
Media contact

Minister’s office: 3224 7332