The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal announced on Friday it had decided to double the solar feed-in tariff benchmark.

More than 350,000 NSW households and businesses could benefit from the decision. A high percentage of Dubbo homes and businesses are fitted with small-scale solar panel system installations.

Resources and Energy Minister Don Harwin said he asked IPART to review NSW solar feed-in tariffs to make sure customers were receiving the fairest deal from energy retailers.

“I’m pleased to say today IPART’s review has resulted in the doubling of the solar feed in tariff range, increasing the benchmark 11.9 to 15 cents per kilowatt hour (c/kWh) in 2017-18, up from 5.5 to 7.2 c/kWh for 2016-17,” Mr Harwin said.

“This is fair and reasonable value for small-scale solar power generation that could benefit families across the state, especially in regional areas.

“It’s also important to note there will be no impact on bills for other users, because feed-in tariffs are a fair payment for generation, they are neither a rebate nor a payment for the full supply of electricity.”

Mr Harwin said consumers are encouraged to do their own research to find the best deal from energy retailers.

“When shopping around, customers should consider all aspects of a retailer's offer including usage charges, feed-in tariffs, and any other terms and conditions including 'paid-on-time' discounts, late payment fees, or early exit fees,” he said.

“While feed-in tariffs are not compulsory for electricity retailers, the NSW Government is calling on retailers to offer a feed-in tariff within this benchmark range.”

Solar customers can compare electricity offers on the Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy website www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/

IPART’s final determination on the solar feed-in tariff review is available online www.ipart.nsw.gov.au.

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