Plea to Coalition to invest in reducing energy costs now, not gamble on risky expensive nuclear scheme
A cross sector alliance of more than 65 organisations has called on the Coalition to invest in cutting energy bills for households now and not waste further time, money and energy in talking about a nuclear scheme that would only saddle Australians with higher prices and pollution.
The CSIRO confirmed in their GenCost report this week that nuclear power is at least twice as expensive as renewables. In the current cost of living crisis, it’s important for Australians to get the most value for money when it comes to energy.
Electric appliances backed by solar and batteries can save households up to $2250 per year on their energy bills. Nuclear would saddle Australian households with at least an additional $665 each year on their bills.
Technologies such as renewables, solar and batteries can be accurately costed because we are building them now, with over 40 percent of our energy already coming from renewables. We also know they will save us money because of the 4 million Australians using rooftop solar now who are already saving hundreds of dollars a year. Unlike nuclear, wind, solar and batteries are getting cheaper all the time.
Not revealed in the Coalition’s suggested figures for their nuclear scheme are the ongoing costs of further debate and inaction, which will place a great financial and environmental burden on Australians.
Members of the alliance, which includes Uniting, Smart Energy Council, ACTU, youth and community groups want to make sure everyone – no matter where they live or what they earn – can access the benefits of renewable energy savings now.
Spokesperson for Renew Australia for All, Sawsan Alfayadh said, “We are calling for action now on people’s household energy bills and addressing cost of living concerns – not some scheme that kicks the can down the road.
“The country has just emerged from an unseasonal heatwave. We can’t afford at least another 20 years before addressing the increasing cost to all households and communities caused by climate pollution.
“With coal-fired power stations across the country closing now and over the next 10 years, we call on all sides of government to come together and work to secure an affordable, sensible, renewable energy future.”
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