Discussion open for ACT electricity feed-in tariff

A discussion paper on the feasibility and nature of an electricity feed-in tariff for the ACT has been issued by the government.

A proposal for the tariff was one of the Actions contained in Weathering the Change, the ACT Climate Change Strategy announced last year.

“As part of its response to the need to combat greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy, the government is exploring options for a feed-in tariff (FiT) for electricity generated from renewable energy sources and fed into the grid by residential, commercial and industrial consumers,” Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said.

“The price per kilowatt hour paid to these private producers of renewable power is usually set at a level above the retail price for electricity, as an incentive to make greater use of micro-generation of renewable energy.”

The discussion paper looks at various models already in use nationally and internationally, as well as equity and efficiency considerations.

A public consultation period will run until 25 February 2008. A copy of the FiT discussion paper is available at http://www.cmd.act.gov.au/policystrategic/fit.