The Marshall Government's ham-fisted approach to implementing new solar, battery storage and smart meter rules will lead to job losses, company closures and higher power bills for South Australian families, according to peak solar and storage body, the
Smart Energy Council.
"The South Australian Government has rushed new rules for installing solar panels and smart meters, causing chaos and uncertainty for solar businesses and higher power bills for families," said John Grimes, CEO of the Smart Energy Council.
"Instead of being collaborative, the Marshall Government is threatening to shut down the solar and battery storage industry. That means stopping South Australian families slashing their power bills with solar."
"New rules in South Australia have left solar retailers and installers with potentially millions of dollars' worth of stock that they don't know if they will be allowed to sell."
"Customers will be forced to pay a fee to an 'agent' who will remotely turn solar systems off. But nobody knows how often it will occur, who will do the job, or how much it will cost. We only know South Australians will be forced to pay."
"The South Australian Government now wants to reach into every home, grabbing control of their solar system and air conditioning, without any consultation with the community."
"The South Australian Government should work with solar businesses, not against them. We have the solutions to fixing the energy grid's problems in the cheapest, most efficient way."
"Energy Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan should pause, take a breath, consult with industry and get this right and if he won't, the Premier should step in and take control."
