Labor is calling on bungling Energy Minister Guy Barnett and the Liberal Government to stop locking Tasmanian businesses out from participating in the Tasmanian Energy Saver Loan scheme.
Mr Barnett's needless requirement that installers be Clean Energy Council (CEC) certified means that 90% of Tasmanian installers are ineligible to do installations under the government's scheme.
CEC Retailer accreditation offers Tasmanians not one single extra consumer guarantee that isn't already available.
Whitney Electrical & Solar is one of the reputable, high-skilled and experienced Tasmanian solar businesses who are unable to participate in the government's so-called Energy Loan Saver program because of Guy Barnett's red tape.
The Government only introduced the requirement to ease concerns about the partner they chose for the scheme, Brighte Capital, which has profited from questionable behaviour on the mainland. We also understand Brighte is now actively recommending mainland installers when it receives inquiries about the scheme.
After announcing he would meet with installers, Guy Barnett, did not turn up; instead leaving bureaucrats and advisors to tell installers he would not help them. The issue remains unresolved.
Effectively, Mr Barnett is saying he trusts a contractor with an expensive tick more than he trusts a Tasmanian business like Whitney Electrical & Solar.
He is also ensuring that mainland companies can reap the rewards of the scheme, while local businesses are locked out.
The Government should remove this red tape and focus its attention on measures that will actually protect consumers, and power policies that will actually help Tasmanians.
Unfortunately, under the complete and utter mismanagement of the portfolio by bungling Barnett, this government's energy priorities are all wrong and Tasmanians are literally paying the price.
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Energy & Emissions Reduction
