The Victorian Greens have called on the Victorian Labor Government to include renters in its solar rebate scheme to help drive down their electricity bills during a cost-of-living crisis.
The Greens say extending the government’s subsidies for off-site solar and batteries for renters would also help reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate our transition to renewable energy.
It was reported overnight that solar tariffs in Victoria were being lowered as more energy was being generated during the day, seeing Victorians with rooftop solar taking a 32 per cent hit to the base rate they collect.
Victorian Greens coal transition spokesperson, Dr Tim Read, said that even with the lower tariffs solar power will still lower energy bills, but renters will keep missing out. Renters will increasingly pay more because so few rental properties have solar.
The Greens are also renewing their call for the government to put free solar in every public school across Victoria to make renewable energy, save on power bills, and to teach kids about sustainability. Public schools currently repay the government for loans provided to install solar.
As stated by Victorian Greens coal transition spokesperson, Dr Tim Read:
“The cost-of-living crisis is hitting pockets hard, but those who pay the highest energy bills in Victoria right now are those that can least afford it.
“Without government intervention renters who are paying more and more will be left further behind homeowners with solar.
“Giving access to the government’s rebate scheme would help renters significantly reduce their energy bills, while helping to protect our climate – it’s a no brainer.
“The government must make cheap renewable energy available to everyone, not just those who are already financially well off.”
