Aardvark DailyNew Zealand's longest-running online daily news and commentary publication, now in its 25th year. The opinion pieces presented here are not purported to be fact but reasonable effort is made to ensure accuracy.Content copyright © 1995 - 2019 to Bruce Simpson (aka Aardvark), the logo was kindly created for Aardvark Daily by the folks at aardvark.co.uk |
Please visit the sponsor! |
You'd think that if you fit solar panels to turn sunlight into electricity and thus reduce your power bill, you'd be onto a winner.
In most cases this is true. Solar power can provide a very useful contribution to the total energy requirements of your average Kiwi household -- at least during the summer months when demand is lower and the days are longer.
Unfortunately, most people who fit solar arrays can't actually go "off grid" so they retain their connection and simply supplement grid-power with the output from their PVAs.
Back in the early days of solar energy, this solar-supplementing was a pretty good idea. Power companies would even buy the excess electricity you might generate on those long summer days so those earnings would help offset the grid power you used at night.
Today however, those in-feed rates (the money they pay you) have been reduced to almost nothing and some companies are even penalising you for having solar panels.
The lines company Unison, for example, have effectively instigated a "solar surcharge" on those consumers who supplement their grid-power use with solar panels.
The charge, announced last month, applies to Unison's 110,000 customers throughout Hawke's Bay, Rotorua and Taupo. Another lines company, Eastland Group, is also considering something similar.
Hang on just a bleeding minute here!
Why on earth are we penalising those who opt to supplement their grid-draw with clean, renewable energy?
What message is this sending?
Where's the nation's commitment to reducing emissions and keeping NZ "100% pure"?
Surely it's time for the government to step in here and tell these clowns that they can't just introduce what is effectively a "solar tax" on those who are helping keep the nation green and reducing the load on our sometimes flaky grid.
However, given the recently announced ho-hum policies in respect to EVs, I don't expect any action from central government any time soon. They're probably all far too busy sorting out their own tax-haven affairs in the wake of the Panama Papers release.
The funniest thing I've heard for a while was this morning's NatRad bulletin which said "the lines company Unison says it's surprised by a complaint that its new charge for solar panel users is against the rules".
Solar panel company Solar City has filed a complaint with the Electricity Authority over the charge -- alleging that the move is anti-competitive, adding as much as 20% to the bills of those affected.
A spokesperson for Unison said "the charge promotes fairness".
Fairness for his shareholders perhaps -- but what about everyone else?
What's next?
Will those who have gone completely "off grid" be hit with an annual fee for the privilege?
After all, these people are paying *nothing* towards the maintenance of NZ's national grid network but it will still be available to them if they want it at some time in the future.
Let's face it -- this is further proof that New Zealand's commitment to environmental issues is just a bunch of hypocritical rhetoric. While our ministers drive around in big BMW limos, our lines companies impose punitive taxes on solar-power users.
What a joke!
Please visit the sponsor! |
Have your say in the Aardvark Forums.
Beware The Alternative Energy Scammers
The Great "Run Your Car On Water" Scam