National Energy Savings Initiative for Households

We have heard a lot about how Australia can unlock limitless potential to solar power and that the country can lead the world in solar power. However recent reports show that there is a significant overlap of federal and state government initiatives that have been set up in response to climate change. In energy efficiency alone over 200 individual initiatives were identified in 2008, today it is near 300.

Experts believe that the key to unlocking the true potential of the country in renewable energy lies in effective coordination of the federal government, the commercial district and the public under the umbrella of strong policy. The Wilkins review has showed that the numerous energy saving initiatives,despite being a huge monetary investment, are not really contributing to the national goal of carbon reduction and better quality of living in the country.

In response to that the PM Gillard’s tasks force had suggested to establish a strong framework of a National Energy Savings Initiative (NESI). The NESI scheme was highly supported by the Clean Energy Council of Australia and other environmental groups. With the carbon tax nearing implementation the recommendation is that the revenues from it should be considered as a national savings, and be used in establishing a strong foundation of policies and support groups aside from solar power investment itself. Such groups and policies would strengthen the technology and patent the purpose of the tax.

The PM’s tasks force showed that the NESI scheme could deliver $50 to $240 savings to households and small businesses in the 1^st year, and a financial gain ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 in the next few years.

Surveys also show that more than a third of the country’s population is asking for more information on how they can save on energy bills, and that more people are making the switch to solar power and other renewable energy sources for the financial gain alone rather than for the sake of reducing carbon emissions.

The NESI scheme and the good policies that it will bring would shape the foundation of the true purpose of the government’s efforts and carbon tax, which is to bring environmental protection through large scale reductions in carbon emissions and also improve the economic future of all Australians’.