ESCOSA itself has acknowledged that the Energy Made Easy website does not provide useful comparisons with contracts containing solar RFiTs properly and that it is very difficult to ascertain which contract offer is the best value for solar owners, or indeed any consumer.
The commission said their decision was based on its view that the market structures that facilitate electricity retail competition are ‘sound’ and continued regulation of the Feed in Tariff might ‘inhibit competition’ in the future.
Either the ESCOSA has a real lack of understanding in the South Australian electricity market or an incredibly short memory.
It is the lack of competition in the South Australian electricity market that has been widely identified as a major reason behind recent wholesale price spikes.
The decision by the ESCOSA ignores the huge value of rooftop solar in South Australia that has helped provide reliable, cheaper electricity and reduce the price of electricity for all South Australians,” she said.
If we want to encourage a smarter way of generating cheaper energy, we should be valuing solar electricity. Solar power, especially when coupled with battery storage, can provide the solution for higher electricity prices.
Both the Queensland and Victorian state governments have wide ranging and informed inquiries well underway that are actively examining what the fair price for solar power actually is, and what it’s broader benefits are, and what value these benefits represent.
The Victorian Essential Services Commission found that solar owners deserve a higher rate because of the environmental benefits distributed solar brings to the state and has moved to set new minimum feed-in tariffs that will see solar producers receive a higher price at peak times.
We note that ESCOSA in its determination reserves the right in the future to set a minimum price for solar under the SA Electricity Act and as such we call on ESCOSA to immediately investigate recognising the true environmental, network and social benefits that rooftop solar delivers to the community.
Claire O’Rourke is National Director of Solar Citizens.
