It IS A STEEP ROAD AHEAD WITH continuing GRID ELECTRICITY PRICE RISES FORECASTED!
Hi all,
I am sure the recent spike in grid electricity prices has not gone unnoticed. At the beginning of 2017 Victoria alone has experienced price increases of up to 11.5% for households, and even worse up to 17% for businesses. Placing an ever growing pressure on householders, as well as the operational costs involved in running a business.
Closure of Australia’s cheapest electricity generator (Hazelwood Mine) in March this year will unfortunately see this trend of increasing power prices continue.
Even though the cost of producing power hasn’t risen, energy producers are now charging electricity retailers 20% more for future contracts because the cheap competition provided by Hazelwood will soon be gone altogether.
These most recent price increases have occurred before the lights have even been switched off at Hazelwood, demonstrating that Victorians need to brace themselves for further electricity price rises to come.
HOW DO WE COUNTERACT THIS YOU ASK?
Quite simply, the answer is cost effective and sustainable Solar Power! Businesses and homes with solar power systems will bear far less of the brunt of electricity price increases in comparison to those who are completely reliant on grid electricity. This is because solar system owners are producing some of their own power for free from the sun, therefore lessening their reliance on grid electricity. This results in substantially reduced electricity bills for them with both immediate and long term savings.
GREAT NEWS!! SOLAR FEED-IN TARIFF SET TO INCREASE IN 2017
Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change – Lily D’Ambrosio, has announced that multiple feed-in tariff rates will be introduced this year. Which means that solar power system owners in Victoria will receive approximately 20% more for the electricity they export to the mains grid from July 2017.
These new rates will be based on peak, off peak & shoulder exports. Additionally, solar system owners will for the first time receive payment for the environmental value of their exports.
Clean Energy Council Policy Manager – Darren Gladman has said ‘This new system is simply better recognition of the true value of solar power when exported back into the power grid’.
MORE PEOPLE HEARING THE CALL FOR CLEAN SUSTASINABLE SOLAR ENERGY
Recent Clean Energy Regulator (CER) data indicates that more than 250,000 solar power systems have been installed across Victoria. This figure represents an ever growing number of both households and businesses who are realising that the cost effectiveness and multiple benefits of solar have never been better.
PEER-TO-PEER POWER
For solar system owners who are content to wait for the price of battery storage to further decrease, Peer-To-Peer Power is a simple and lucrative way to further capitalise on your solar investment.
Some electricity retailers in Victoria are now offering a ‘behind the meter’ service enabling solar system owners to sell their surplus power to their neighbours for approximately 4c more per KWh than the current feed-in tariff. This new innovation is a resounding validation of a three plank Sustainable Energy Revolution –
Firstly, there is a proven hunger for solar power.
Secondly, the appeal of neighbour-to-neighbour trading of solar power is real.
Thirdly, Peer-To-Peer Power is a definite threat to energy distributors and retailers who are not yet offering ‘behind the meter’ services. Thus ensuring that this practical way for solar system owners to sell their surplus power to their neighbours becomes common practice.
SOLAR SYSTEM CASE STUDIES
Below are few case studies that we at Energis have put together to showcase the benefits that Solar Projects can deliver for businesses –
Please click on case study title to follow the link and find out more
- Morwell Health Care Centre – We installed a 50KW solar system & LED lights, the customer is saving over $22,000 per year.
- Seaford Kawasaki & Suzuki showrooms – Byrners Motorcycles, is saving 78% off their electricity bills in their Kawasaki showroom & 85% in their Suzuki showroom.
- Regent Pumps – This Dingley based Manufacturer has an ROI of 3.43 years.
What is very evident from these case studies is that solar is a smart energy solution which pays for itself and does not necessarily need funding with upfront cash.
THERE IS ENOUGH SOLAR POWER FOR EVERYONE!!
Quite simply there is enough solar power for everyone to be able to reap the benefits of this cost effective, clean and sustainable form of renewable energy.
It is easy to see why so many households and businesses are joining the Sustainable Energy Revolution and becoming ‘solar citizens’.
Written by Sheridyn Lynch
Energy Solutions Consultant
Has this article sparked your enthusiasm for solar? Or do you simply just want to know more? Call Sheridyn today on 0412 708 344 or contact Energis to find out more!
