The NSW government has finally listened to households who want to invest in solar power to bring down their high electricity bills, says Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina.
“The NSW government is funding a solar program to help low-income households get a solar power system which will bring down their electricity bills long term and help the environment through clean energy generation,” said Ms Smith.
“Households that are concerned about the environment and about sky high electricity prices want to get solar power in order to bring their bills down and moderate their reliance on fossil fuels, but the up-front investment in a solar power system can make it difficult,” said Ms Smith, who is also the Greens’ Renewable Energy spokesperson.
The North Coast is one of five regions chosen to participate in a trial scheme to give the benefits of clean solar energy to local households.
The NSW government is offering a voluntary program for households to exchange their Low Income Household Rebate for a new 2.5 kilowatt rooftop solar power system.
“A rooftop solar system is expected to lead to an average bill reduction of $600 per year for Ballina and Byron Shire households who are eligible to participate, which is more than double what they would receive from the rebate, meaning they would be around $300 better off each year.” said Ms Smith.
The $15 million in State funding will be used to provide free rooftop solar to up to 3,400 eligible households across NSW.
“The NSW government has finally realised that solar power is key to providing energy bill relief for households and businesses in regional NSW,” said Ms Smith.
For more information on the program visit Energy NSW Solar for Low Income Households