Australian Greens want energy savings agency

Energy Savings Agency will make Australia’s energy system fairer, cheaper and cleaner.

The proposed agency would be an independent agency charged with disseminating information, analysis, advocacy and financial support to break down barriers to cheaper and cleaner energy options; such as solar power.

The Greens believe the agency would also drive down power bills by achieving A$1 billion in energy savings. As a result, a reduction of 3000 MW of peak demand would be achieved and 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions avoided.

The agency would also ensure solar power system owners are paid a fair rate for the surplus electricity they export to the mains grid.

Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said Federal and State governments had failed to prevent an increase in spending on poles and wires; accusing some state governments on profiting from their electricity assets.

"Selling less electricity is not in their interest which is why reform of the energy market is too slow and why intervention is vital."

The Greens say the Federal Government had committed to fast-tracking establishment of a National Energy Savings Initiative to replace state-based energy efficiency trading schemes, but three years on is yet to complete a Regulatory Impact Statement.