Premier ponders rebate revision

VICTORIAN Premier Daniel Andrews is considering relaxing monthly limits on the state’s $1.3 billion solar rebate scheme but some struggling installers say it’s too little too late.

The State Government’s Solar Homes program offers half-price panels for 650,000 households and takes $1000 off the cost of solar hot water for 60,000 homes.

But the scheme’s popularity has forced the Government to limit the number of subsidies issued each month to 3333.

August’s allocation was exhausted in minutes, leaving some installers with no work as customers wait for the next round of subsidies, rather than proceeding with installations.

Mr Andrews defended the program yesterday, though he hinted at possible changes.

“I am happy to look at expanding the number of installations each month but I will only do that if I can be completely confident that high quality can be observed,” he said.

“There’s a delicate balance to be struck here.”

The scheme was only five weeks into a 10-year plan, the Premier added.

“It was always anticipated that it might grow and change but it can only increase if we can be absolutely assured on quality and safety.”

Smart Energy Council chief executive John Grimes said the Premier’s comments were “too little too late” for many solar businesses forced into liquidation because of the scheme.

“For the Premier to say ‘Maybe we’ll think about maybe doing some changes’ is simply not good enough,” he said.

“We need changes announced today. We’ve been saying for weeks we need urgent intervention on this.”

Mr Grimes said he had requested a meeting with the Premier but had been repeatedly denied.

He will join solar installers at a rally outside the premier’s Treasury Place office tomorrow.