Solar feed-in tariffs:

This submission focuses on two interrelated areas, retail competition and form of regulation in response to issues outlined in the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) process of setting a fair and reasonable value for electricity generated by small-scale solar PV units. PIAC does not believe that competitive market forces alone will provide a fair and reasonable level of payment for solar PV generated electricity to consumers in all geographic locations. PIAC is also concerned that without regulation, consumers with solar PV systems who live in areas with low levels of market competition may be seen as less desirable customers and may be offered lower feed-in rates or fewer choices. For this reason PIAC supports a light-handed regulatory approach that requires only the Standard Retailers to offer a specified feed-in tariff rate for those outside of the Solar Bonus Scheme. This will ensure that consumers in all areas of NSW can access at least one tariff at the specified rate.