Solar Citizens has condemned the NSW Government for undermining the urgent transition to cheaper, cleaner renewables, including solar, by extending the production of dirty coal-fired power at Eraring for four years. Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas said, “It’s deeply disappointing that in 2024 the NSW Government is backing yesterday’s outdated, polluting technology and passing the cost of keeping coal-fired power open to NSW’s energy users. “While media reports suggest there is no upfront payment to Origin Energy to keep Eraring open, the community is paying the cost of a missed opportunity to invest more in rooftop solar, batteries connected to home solar, energy efficiency and associated infrastructure as better alternatives for NSW’s power supply. “The Government also needs to be transparent on whether or not additional costs will be placed on customer energy bills because of this decision, now or in the future. “Rooftop solar provides the most economical possible energy to customers and this is where the smart money should be spent for NSW’s energy supply.
“This must not happen again. Solar Citizens calls on the NSW Government to legislate for no further extensions for any existing NSW coal power facilities beyond their agreed license for polluting power production. “Solar Citizens also asks for the upcoming NSW State Budget to include a substantial investment in support for more solar for those currently locked out of energy savings – like residents in social housing, and to provide a ‘battery booster’ rebate for household batteries. This is so we can continue the overwhelming success of household solar and use cheap, clean solar at night, and reduce our carbon emissions. “Extending coal power at Eraring means more expensive energy bills and more carbon emissions. The decision to extend Eraring threatens our national Net Zero targets. Premier Chris Minns’ decision today has national implications. “This government talks the talk on zero emissions and taking ‘serious climate action’, now it must walk the walk by moving away from fossil fuels and supporting renewables and solar,” Ms Douglas said. Heidi Lee Douglas is
