Continuing this week is the controversy over the rising power bills here in Queensland. In addition to this we have seen another solar feed-in tariff slashed and more analysis of global renewables from 2012 coming out.

With Queensland electricity prices going up over 22% as of the 1st of July this year, there have been many outraged people wondering how they are going to cope. With many government officials giving statements and coming out with research that has not been proved to be correct, it is no wonder people have delved into the real reasons for the price hikes as well as who is benefitting from them. The main reason for the price increases being network upgrades (some very unnecessary) and the only one benefiting…the Queensland Government. Electricity price increases together with an inflated revaluation of assets and seen the government recording higher and higher net profits. Click here to read the full article. 

Canberra and the ACT is the latest edition to the solar incentive cuts experienced by Queensland, Victoria and NSW. As usual, the cuts have come with little warning and are expected to end on the 30th of this month. Their current gross metering scheme with a feed-in tariff of 1:1 is going to be slashed to 7.5c per kilowatt hour on a net metering scheme for all new connections after July 1st. Those still wanting to cash in at the current rates need to send a special connection request form to their ActewAGL Distributor before close of business on the 30th. Click here to read the full article. 

Reports supported by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) have come out showing global renewable energy investment in 2012. Although figures show the second highest ever recorded, there was a 12% drop from 2011’s figures. This is partly due to the falling costs of solar and wind power but mostly due to uncertainty in policy. The interesting thing to come out of the research was how much investment is coming from developing countries. Future research is likely to show developing nations investments exceeding that of developed nations. Click here to read the full article. 

The forecast for the weekend is looking bright and sunny so Evolution Solar Sunshine Coast hopes you all have a great weekend planned. For those in the Nambour region of the Sunshine Coast who are enjoying a long weekend – enjoy the sunshine! We hope while you are enjoying your long weekend that you have a solar system generating power and money for you.