Posts Tagged ‘green power’

Details of the Emmisions Trading Scheme (or ET) was announced 15-Dec-08 (eg www.abc.net.au) and are to reduce by 5% carbon emissions of 2000 levels by 2020, or 15% if the rest of the world steps up.  Per capita this is on par with Europe.

With a carbon price of $25 per tonne, electricity is expected to increase by around $4 per week, with a rise in gas prices of around $2.

Some time ago, I wrote that people change for one of three reasons

• They make money
• They lose money
• It’s the law

Whether you are strongly of the view that the government is a whimp, and this is a cop-out, or of the view that climate change caused by humans is a complete furphy, one thing is now going to be fixed in law. The law to start change will be in place.  It may not be high, but it does start to change attitude. A government might even have to raise the levels if Australia is to meet 60% by 2060!

The good news is when you replace your electric or gas hot water system with a solar hot water system, you will now contribute and benefit in 4 ways.

1. You will help Australia meet the ET target.  (Solar Hot water reduces household carbon emissions by 40% - see  electricity savings).
2. The expected rise in energy prices for households will mean you are going to be up for an additional $5 per week ($250 per year.)  This is on top of an expected 15% price increase of electricity this coming year. Put this towards a new solar hot water system.
3. You can give the energy company (and the dirty coal power plants) the finger!  You are not beholden to the major polluters.
4. You pocket the expected $20 a month extra compensation. (If you are on a pensions, family Tax A, then you get 2.5% benefit; with minimal increase in other costs)

As philosophers say all the time: Good things start small.

Find Out Whether You Can Benefit From Solar Hot Water.

You can get an instant quote right now. There are 23 simple questions that lets our online calculator work out the best solution for your situation. That way you know exactly whether you can benefit from solar hot water.

Start with 1. Find System.

Are you buying green power? Have you paid to offset your carbon emission? What if you did not pay for it - but got paid?

We hear everywhere that it is good to purchase green power or offset your carbon emissions. But what are we really paying for when we do that?

Solar Hot Water - the Single Biggest Impact on Carbon Emissions.

When you install solar hot water, you reduce your household’s carbon emissions by around 25%. They are not just offset, they are eliminated. Not once, but for the lifespan of the solar hot water system (often 20 years).

Our government knows that and is paying you to do it: $1,000 federal rebate.

On top of that, you receive payment for REC’s (Renewable Energy Certificates). And guess who purchases these REC’s? It is mostly energy retailers. Up to $2,000. They then pass that charge on to consumers who pay for green power.

The same is true for some carbon offsetting schemes. They purchase REC’s, which gives them the right to the saved CO2.

So what are you really paying for when you buy green power or carbon offsets? You are subsidising someone else to reduce their carbon emissions. It feels good, but you can bet that the subsidised person feels even better.

Here are the two choices:

• Continue to pay the electricity company and let others benefit from the subsidies you pay.

• Or take control, make a real difference in your carbon emissions, get paid for it, slash your electricity bill at the same time and do not get caught with future increases in electricity.

If you have questions about your particular situation or want help in deciding which solar hot water system is most suitable, call me on 5400 1800 or get an instant online quote below.