SOLAR FEED-IN TARIFFS

In reply to the Hon. M. PARNELL (9 March 2011).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for Energy advises:

1. The Electricity (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2011 has been introduced into Parliament.

The Bill will seek approval for an increase in the solar feed-in tariff to be paid by the electricity distributor from 44c/kWh to 54c/kWh for electricity exported to the grid, capped at 45 kWh per day.

The Bill will also seek to legislate for the Essential Services Commission of South Australia to determine a minimum rate to be paid to customers from electricity retailers for the power they receive from owners of solar panels.