New CPRS a dirty deal for households
Photo: Jergen Sprengel
Friday 08 May 2009
One third of people who buy GreenPower could end up going back to using dirty, but cheaper electricity, due to the Federal Government’s proposed amendments to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
In a survey conducted by the Alternative Technology Association (ATA), 33 per cent of people who already purchase GreenPower said that they would cease doing so if it did not make a difference to Australia’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, and a further 10 per cent said they would strongly consider dropping GreenPower.
The government has said they will include householder’s voluntary contributions in the form of GreenPower, but the design of the scheme means nobody who currently purchases GreenPower will benefit, says Damien Moyse, Energy Policy Manager for the ATA.
“The government has set a baseline and will only recognise GreenPower purchases that go above the baseline, anyone who started purchasing GreenPower before 2009 will not be taken into account.”
“Once again, people willing to make a personal contribution to reducing Australia’s carbon emissions get no reward for their efforts while the big polluters get a helping hand.”
Under the government’s amendments, announced this week, GreenPower purchases above 2009 levels will be recognised when the government sets caps under the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and future caps will be tightened in line with the carbon reductions generated by the purchase of GreenPower.
The scheme is so flawed that even new buyers of GreenPower may not end up making any contribution to reducing carbon emissions, says Mr Moyse.
“Having a baseline under which GreenPower will not be recognised means that even if a small proportion of people stopped purchasing GreenPower now, the point at which GreenPower begins to be accounted for may not be reached for many years.”
“Our survey was conducted with over 750 of our members who are highly motivated to live more sustainably. If a 33 per cent drop in GreenPower was translated across the board it would mean a significant amount of investment in GreenPower is being placed at risk by the design of the CPRS”.
Media enquiries: Bojun Chiswell – T. (03) 9631 5409 E. bojun@ata.org.au
