RET should stay, says AuSES

The Renewable Energy Target (RET) should not be dismantled, according to the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES). The organisation has rejected calls from Origin Energy to dismantle the RET, claiming it has been successful in encouraging Australians to embrace solar and other renewable energy sources.

“The Renewable Energy Target has been one of the greatest policy achievements of the last decade,” said John Grimes, AuSES Chief Executive.

“The Renewable Energy Target has been a huge success. It has reduced Australia’s energy use and carbon pollution, driven down the cost of wholesale electricity and unleashed more than $10 billion in investment in large-scale clean energy schemes alone.”

Grimes said the RET has led to over 4 million Australians installing solar power and solar hot water systems.

“The Renewable Energy Target works - that’s why it’s supported by all political parties and opposed by companies laden with ageing fossil fuel assets,” Grimes said.

“Whilst some decry the success of the Renewable Energy Target, Australia’s solar industry celebrates the fact carbon pollution and energy use is declining, and the wholesale cost of electricity is falling.”

Grimes urged Origin and other big power companies to pass on the falling costs to Australians who are “doing it tough with soaring electricity prices”.