WA Government cuts solar industry red tape The Government of Western Australia has announced that it intends to enforce new regulatory measures that are intended to boost the uptake of rooftop solar panels in the state. Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.NetBy: njaj According to the official announcement by WA Minister for Energy, the Hon Mike Nahan BEc MS PhD MLA, this will also contribute to making the technology more accessible to more customers. “West Australians are embracing solar energy in unprecedented numbers and the State Government wants to ensure everyone has access to this exciting technology,” Dr Nahan said. The new measures will alleviate the work of solar power purchase agreement (PPA) providers in WA by enabling them to apply directly to the Public Utilities Office (PUO) for exemptions from the requirement to hold a retail licence in order to sell electricity to consumers. “By creating the exemption, we have broken down barriers, cut red tape and reduced the regulatory costs for solar PPA providers to offer electricity services to customers. This will help the emerging market to develop and increase the choices that customers have to access these innovative and renewable sources of electricity at an affordable price,” Dr Nahan said. “The Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme will also be available to eligible customers who export electricity back into the grid. Retail licence exemptions, which can now be submitted to the PUO, will also include important consumer protection conditions to ensure consumers are aware of their rights and obligations under the solar PPA before entering into a contract.” Australian Manufacturing