The Barnett Government today announced it would retrospectively cut the government-agreed contract with solar households from 40 cents per kilowatt hour to 20 cents per kilowatt hour.

“This is a gross breach of faith with WA families”, said John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council. “Families signed a contract with the State Government in good faith, in which the Government guaranteed a rate of return, and now that contract has been ripped up by the Government.”

“Some 75,000 households signed a solar contract with the State Government. They invested their own hard-earned money and expected a return on their investment, which has now been blown away.”

“Today’s decision by the Barnett Government represents a significant sovereign risk if it is allowed to proceed. If this government contract can be ripped up without compensation, no WA Government contract is worth the paper it is written on. This move would set a very dangerous precedent.”

“The Australian Solar Council calls on the Barnett Government to urgently reconsider today’s decision and will seek an urgent meeting with them.”

For more information, contact John Grimes on 0400 102 396.

Warm Regards,

John Grimes
Chief Executive
Australian Solar Council
ceo@solar.org.au