17 September 2021 / The Smart Energy Council – a peak, independent body for the solar and energy storage industry – has welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to oppose CoalKeeper – proposed subsidies to extend the lives of polluting coal and gas-fired power stations.

John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Smart Energy Council, said: “CoalKeeper is the worst possible policy at the worst possible time.”

“Independent analysis from IEEFA shows CoalKeeper could subsidise coal and gas-fired power stations by up to $7 billion a year.”

“Scott Morrison is proposing a carbon tax of up to $430 a year, paid by families through increased power bills. That’s a carbon tax that will increase the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.”

“The Smart Energy Council congratulates the Victorian Government for drawing the line and opposing this incredibly damaging proposal. The Victorian Energy Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, is absolutely correct when she says the Morrison Government has created enormous uncertainty for renewable energy projects.” 

“The Smart Energy Council calls on all State and Territory Energy Ministers to reject CoalKeeper when they meet on 24 September.”

“Energy Ministers should also reject SolarStopper – the so-called Congestion Management Model proposal, which will stop investment in solar farms and renewable energy projects in their tracks by providing zero certainty to project developers on the revenue they will receive for these projects.”

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