The Western Australian Government roll out of a feed-in-tariff on renewable energy generation for homeowners is welcomed by the WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA).

The Western Australian Government roll out of a feed-in-tariff on renewable energy generation for homeowners is welcomed by the WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA).

Energy Minister Peter Collier today provided more detail of how a $23 million WA Budget commitment been provided to introduce a residential net feed-in tariff to sell surplus electricity from grid-connected renewable energy systems including photovoltaic, wind and water systems.

"Western Australia has lagged behind other states, but this announcement lets WA householders catch the pack as all Australian states endeavour to bring more renewable energy to homes," says Prof Ray Wills, Chief Executive of WA SEA.

"The Minister also affirmed an election commitment to examine ways to extend a feed in tariff beyond home owners to include small and medium sized businesses - WA SEA looks forward to government consultation with industry to establish the best way of giving business opportunities to contribute to small-scale renewable generation in WA," says Prof Wills.

WA SEA congratulates Energy Minister Peter Collier on this announcement, and hopes this marks the start of even greater efforts to position the State to harvest its massive renewable energy resources and build a more sustainable Western Australian economy.


WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) Media Release - 27 May 2010

Editors notes:
1. Minister Collier's media announcement - http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/WACabinetMinistersSearch.aspx?ItemId=133582&minister=Collier&admin=Barnett
2. The net feed-in tariff scheme has been set at 40 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) on electricity exported into both the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and regional grids.
This is in addition to the price paid under the existing Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (which has been revised to 7c) that will allow householders to receive a minimum of 47c/kWh.
Office of Energy description - http://www.clean.energy.wa.gov.au/pages/re_feed-in_tariff.asp including an estimate of the average annual benefit of installing a 1 kilowatt system in the Perth area.
3. The Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) is a chamber of enterprises has a growing membership of over 320 industry members from a diversity of businesses, and the largest state-based industry body of its kind in Australia. www.wasea.com.au.
4. WA SEA bringing you the Energising SE Asia Conference 23-36 March 2011, Perth.