Antinuclear

Australian news, and some related international items

7,200 jobs to be lost in Australian govt’s sudden closure of solar hot water rebate

GREEN DEALS: Solar surprise, Climate Spectator, Daniel Palmer, 7 March The federal government’s decision to abandon the solar hot water rebate (Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme) on Tuesday afternoon has been a major talking point, with manufacturers critical of the lack of consultation.

An initiative of the Coalition government in 2007, the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme offered rebates of up to $1,000 for households that installed solar hot-water systems. It was always slated to end after five years (i.e. 2012) but the exact date for its cessation was widely expected to be June 30, the end of the financial year (and basically five years from its beginning on July 17, 2007). Hence the move to end the offer for rebated as of close of business Tuesday was met with more than a hint of surprise from the industry.

The industry has said that as many as 7,200 jobs (1,200 in manufacturing and 6,000 in installation) could be at stake. It is a blow to the likes of Dux and Rheem, but Dreyfus indicated that the government would be offering no special assistance……http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/green-deals-solar-surprise

March 7, 2012 - Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, solar |

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