Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP)
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program ending early and why has no notice been given?
The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program has seen a sharp increase in applications over the last year and all funding has now been committed except in Western Australia.
The program has seen $300 million committed to renewable energy generation in remote and regional areas, supporting more than 7,000 applications for remote power rebates.
A further 1,100 projects are expected to take industry around six months to complete based on current installation rates.
Industry has been aware for some time that RRPGP has finite funds and that full commitment was imminent.
I've submitted or sent my application for a rebate and I'm worried it may be affected by this announcement?
As of 8.30am on Monday 22 June, pre-purchase applications are no longer being accepted for the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program, except from Western Australia.
All pre-purchase applications submitted to the relevant state administrator prior to this will be assessed according to the program guidelines.
Please note this only affects pre-purchase applications. The deadline for rebate applications is provided on your pre-purchase approval letter.
Pre-approved applications are given six months to install and submit a completed rebate application in order to receive the rebate. Your six month deadline will be confirmed in your pre purchase approval letter if your application is successful.
Western Australia will continue to take applications until their original funding allocation is exhausted.
If you are concerned, you can check the progress of your application by calling your state program administrator on 1300 137 880 or emailing renewable@environment.gov.au and including the full site address.
What if my application doesn't have a postmark on it?
The remote power administrators will be checking applications for postmarks. If no postmark can be found, the remote power administrators will make reasonable assumptions based on average mailing periods around Australia.
What if there's a mistake on my application? Does that mean it will be sent back to me and I miss out?
The remote power administrators check all pre-purchase applications against the program guidelines. All pre-purchase applications should be complete and should follow the guidelines carefully.
Administrators may require clarification on some details. Incomplete pre purchase applications will be sent back to applicants with a not-approved letter.
How will the closure of these programs affect the industry?
The remote power program and the Solar Homes and Communities Plan have resulted in growth in the renewable energy industry and a large workload for industry to get on with.
More than 63,000 installations are still to be done under the Solar Homes and Communities Plan and more than 1,100 under the remote power program. It is estimated that industry would need to double its capacity to get through that workload in six months.
How do I find out more about Solar Credits and how it will work?
Solar Credits is part of the Government's expanded Renewable Energy Target which is regulated by an independent market body, the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator.
Solar Credits and the Renewable Energy Target are the responsibility of the Department of Climate Change.
To find out more visit: www.climatechange.gov.au/government/initiatives/renewable-target.aspx
Why is Western Australia continuing to accept applications?
For the original RRPGP, the amount of funding available to a state was based on the diesel fuel excise paid by remote public power generators in the four year period to 30 June 2004.
Western Australia is still spending that original allocation which is forecast to last into 2010.
CONTACT US
For the cost of a local call, you can phone the remote power administrator in your state or territory on 1300 137 880.
To contact the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts in Canberra please email: renewable@environment.gov.au
Rebates & funding
HOUSEHOLDS
SCHOOLS