Sun Tax Western Australia

Sun Tax Western Australia Proposal Faces Backlash from Solar Homeowners

The proposed ‘sun tax’ by Synergy, Western Australia’s state-owned electricity provider, has ignited significant outrage among the state’s 191,000 solar homeowners. This proposal, which could effectively double the cost of connecting solar households to the grid, is seen as an unjust burden on those who have made the commitment to invest in clean energy.

Reece Turner, a Consumer Campaigner for Solar Citizens, has condemned the discriminatory charge, arguing that it unfairly targets solar users and threatens to discourage further investment in renewable energy. He emphasized that over one in five homes in WA are powered by solar energy and should not be penalized for their environmentally friendly choices, instead benefiting marginally from the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS). Turner urged Premier Colin Barnett to reject the proposal outright, asserting that it is not fair or efficient for solar homeowners to bear the costs of Synergy’s budget issues.

The reality is that Synergy’s plan appears to be an attempt to shift blame for its financial losses onto solar households. Turner pointed out that the government has over-invested in electricity generation, leading to unnecessary costs for consumers. This financial strain is evidenced by the $620 million shortfall between generation and infrastructure costs reported last year, driven in part by unsustainable subsidies for fossil fuel generators.

Despite these challenges, solar installations in WA are thriving, with over 1,000 new systems being added each month. Recent government initiatives, such as investments in battery storage and plans to remove regulations preventing batteries from feeding energy back into the grid, indicate a positive direction for renewable energy in the state.

Turner also noted that similar ‘sun tax’ proposals in South Australia and New South Wales were abandoned after public outcry. He called for Premier Barnett to act swiftly to dismiss the ‘sun tax’ before it gains further momentum and negatively impacts the solar community.

As we at Urban Future continue to advocate for sustainable energy solutions, it’s crucial to support policies that foster, rather than hinder, the growth of renewable energy in Western Australia. The commitment to solar should be celebrated, not penalised, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

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