❓ Mr. Snook questions budget cuts to energy programs, discontinuation of the Solar Hot Water Heater Incentive Scheme, and support for remote power generation. The Minister responds by clarifying funding changes, program updates, and the nature of Commonwealth funding.
AnsweredQoN 1247Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) I refer to Budget Paper No 2, Volume 3, Page 903, under Appropriation and Forward Estimates, and ask, why has the Government budgeted 39% less funds, or $11,708,000 less than last year, when the budget was exceeded by almost $6 million last year?
(2) I refer to Budget Paper No 2, Volume 3, Page 918, under Details of Controlled Grants and Subsidies, and ask -
(a) why has the Government discontinued the Solar Hot Water Heater Incentive Scheme; and
(b) what is the point of having, as part of your Major Initiatives for 2006-2007, ‘to ensure that solar power systems supported through the Solar School Program delivers benefits …’ (dot point one, Page 912), if the Incentive Scheme is no longer supported by the Government?
(3) I refer to Budget Paper No 2, Volume 3, Page 918, under Grants and Subsidies, and ask, why is the Government continuing not to provide support for the Remote Regional Power Generation Program?
(4) I refer to Budget Paper No 2, Volume 3, Page 918, under Grants and Subsidies, and ask -
(a) why is the Government reducing and phasing out the Renewable Energy Production Subsidy by 2007-2008; and
(b) is the Commonwealth Specific Purpose Renewable Energy Funds – Renewable Remote Power Generation Program completely funded with Commonwealth money, or are there matching State funds included?
(2) I refer to Budget Paper No 2, Volume 3, Page 918, under Details of Controlled Grants and Subsidies, and ask -
(a) why has the Government discontinued the Solar Hot Water Heater Incentive Scheme; and
(b) what is the point of having, as part of your Major Initiatives for 2006-2007, ‘to ensure that solar power systems supported through the Solar School Program delivers benefits …’ (dot point one, Page 912), if the Incentive Scheme is no longer supported by the Government?
(3) I refer to Budget Paper No 2, Volume 3, Page 918, under Grants and Subsidies, and ask, why is the Government continuing not to provide support for the Remote Regional Power Generation Program?
(4) I refer to Budget Paper No 2, Volume 3, Page 918, under Grants and Subsidies, and ask -
(a) why is the Government reducing and phasing out the Renewable Energy Production Subsidy by 2007-2008; and
(b) is the Commonwealth Specific Purpose Renewable Energy Funds – Renewable Remote Power Generation Program completely funded with Commonwealth money, or are there matching State funds included?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
1 August 2006
Responded by
Minister for Energy
Response time
41 days
(b) what is the point of having, as part of your Major Initiatives for 2006-2007, ‘to ensure that solar power systems supported through the Solar School Program delivers benefits …’ (dot point one, Page 912), if the Incentive Scheme is no longer supported by the Government?
(b) is the Commonwealth Specific Purpose Renewable Energy Funds – Renewable Remote Power Generation Program completely funded with Commonwealth money, or are there matching State funds included?
The Minister for Energy has provided the following response: (1) The 2005-06 Estimated Actual includes additional administered funds and funding for the Renewable Energy Production Subsidy program appropriated in the budget year. The decrease from 2005-06 Budget to 2006-07 Budget Estimate reflects the cessation of funding for electricity reform and other programs. (2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(1) The 2005-06 Estimated Actual includes additional administered funds and funding for the Renewable Energy Production Subsidy program appropriated in the budget year. The decrease from 2005-06 Budget to 2006-07 Budget Estimate reflects the cessation of funding for electricity reform and other programs. (2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(1) The 2005-06 Estimated Actual includes additional administered funds and funding for the Renewable Energy Production Subsidy program appropriated in the budget year. The decrease from 2005-06 Budget to 2006-07 Budget Estimate reflects the cessation of funding for electricity reform and other programs. (2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
The decrease from 2005-06 Budget to 2006-07 Budget Estimate reflects the cessation of funding for electricity reform and other programs. (2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(b) is the Commonwealth Specific Purpose Renewable Energy Funds – Renewable Remote Power Generation Program completely funded with Commonwealth money, or are there matching State funds included?
The Minister for Energy has provided the following response: (1) The 2005-06 Estimated Actual includes additional administered funds and funding for the Renewable Energy Production Subsidy program appropriated in the budget year. The decrease from 2005-06 Budget to 2006-07 Budget Estimate reflects the cessation of funding for electricity reform and other programs. (2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(1) The 2005-06 Estimated Actual includes additional administered funds and funding for the Renewable Energy Production Subsidy program appropriated in the budget year. The decrease from 2005-06 Budget to 2006-07 Budget Estimate reflects the cessation of funding for electricity reform and other programs. (2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(1) The 2005-06 Estimated Actual includes additional administered funds and funding for the Renewable Energy Production Subsidy program appropriated in the budget year. The decrease from 2005-06 Budget to 2006-07 Budget Estimate reflects the cessation of funding for electricity reform and other programs. (2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
The decrease from 2005-06 Budget to 2006-07 Budget Estimate reflects the cessation of funding for electricity reform and other programs. (2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(2)(a) The original Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme ended in June 2005. A new subsidy scheme, targeting gas boosted solar water heaters, was introduced in July 2005. (b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(b) The Solar Schools Program is a separate program from the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The Solar Schools Program was launched in November 2005 and will run until June 2009. (3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(3) The Government is continuing to implement the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. This program is funded by specific purpose payments from the Commonwealth Government. (4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(4) (a) The Renewable Energy Production Subsidy was designed as a short term measure to assist new renewable energy generators in the transition to the wholesale electricity market. (b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
(b) The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is funded by the Commonwealth Government. Funding available to Western Australia is based on diesel excise paid for public electricity generation in 'off grid' areas of the State from 2000-01 to 2003-04. This excise was paid almost entirely by Western Power (Horizon). Some State Government agencies, authorities and corporations have contributed matching funding to install renewable energy systems to serve their own facilities or to supply power to remote towns.
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