The NSW Government must avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater when confronting the problems inherent in its Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme, said NSW Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.
“The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is correct in pointing out some of the problems with the light bulb giveaway scheme, but the basic idea of encouraging households to use low energy light bulbs and showerheads is a sound one and should be persisted with,” said Mr Cohen.
“Where there are flaws they need to be recognised and corrected. The overwhelming problem cited by IPART is that the consumers receiving the products are not actually installing them. Improved auditing and an ongoing education campaign by the Government would help.
“Given the financial incentives available to those supplying the packs, perhaps they need to take greater responsibility for ensuring they are installed properly.
“Are businesses turning a Green dollar and not backing it up with eco-commitment? Sydney Water charge $22 for a plumber to come and install showerheads as just one of a range of services provided under its Waterfix scheme.
“Given the businesses involved in the light bulb scheme are making a profit of around $25 per household perhaps an offer of installation is required. Even a simple reminder phone call would be a good start.
“People are also getting around the rule that each household can only receive one pack by getting others from any number of the eleven suppliers. Each supplier only records the details of those that have received the products from their own company. Surely it would not be too hard to create a database that would avoid this duplication.
“This scheme is a long way from being perfect, and a sober analysis of its shortcomings is welcome. Those shortcomings must be addressed rather than the whole scheme being abandoned,” Mr Cohen said.
Further Information: Michael Hidden 9230 3305 or 0431 320 085
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