More news from Ballarat
Barry Earsman
A couple of notable extracts:
There will be no further BBE Solar Neighbourhood in Ballarat and the reasons for this will be outlined briefly on the Monday night. Because there was not going to be a further BBE Neighbourhood and given the intense interest in a cheap photovoltaic deal being expressed by BREAZE members, BREAZE has essentially had to create our own cheap pv scheme from scratch.
and:
What's the rush?? The reason is that due to Federal Government decisions about a 'cap' on rebate pre-approval applications, BREAZE members will need to move speedily in order to ensure that their rebate application are receipted by DEWHA before the rebate dries up like a photovoltaic version of the Moorabool river. The DEWHA is not allowed to reveal what the current application rate is, however, it is on public record that in the week prior to the Budget (where it was announced that the rebate would be means-tested on gross incomes over $100,000), rebate applications were running at 500 a week. For the six weeks post the pv means-tested budget, they were running at 365 a week. On these figures, the 25 million that was brought forward by the Federal Government (to create a total of 56.6 million) will expire in about EIGHT WEEKS.
From: Nick Lanyon <nla...@ncable.net.au>
Date: Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Subject: BREAZE PeVeaze (pvs): Thursday Meeting postponed until next Tuesday
To: Nick Lanyon <nla...@ncable.net.au>
Dear BREAZErs
This email only contains info relating to the BREAZE photovoltaic (pv) package. If this is not of interest, you can put your feet up and have an 'email off!'
We have struggled valiantly to keep to the Photovoltaic presentation timeline of Thursday night (partly to get in before school holidays), BUT having the weekend to knock the last remnants into shape would take a load off the shoulders of our volunteers. SO the presentation of the BREAZE PHOTOVOLTAIC PACKAGE will be on Tuesday night (woulda been on Monday, but the Centre was booked!). So....Roll up, roll up, roll up.
WHAT: Presentation of the BREAZE pv package put together for BREAZE members
DATE: Tuesday, 1st of July
TIME: 7pm
WHERE: The Cooinda Centre, 10 Learmonth Rd, diagonally opposite Ballarat Holden
BRING:
A completed copy of the solar panel questionnaire (attached, from previous email)
A photocopy of your Driver's License (FRONT AND BACK)
A photocopy of your most recent rates notices
Fold out chair, on the assumption of photovoltaic HORDES descending on the Cooinda Centre, come Monday
HOMEWORK:
Read the DEWHA's guidelines for the 'Solar Homes and Communities Program'
Peruse the DEWHA's pre-approval form (the one that we are looking to fill out on the night for those interested in the BREAZE package)
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
EVERY man, woman and dog (you might just squeeze a panel onto the roof of the kennel). There was some confusion expressed to me on Sunday at the Sustainable House Day about who this package applied to. There will be no further BBE Solar Neighbourhood in Ballarat and the reasons for this will be outlined briefly on the Monday night. Because there was not going to be a further BBE Neighbourhood and given the intense interest in a cheap photovoltaic deal being expressed by BREAZE members, BREAZE has essentially had to create our own cheap pv scheme from scratch. It hasn't been easy and it has taken A MOUNTAIN of work, believe me! However, it has all been done on behalf of BREAZE members and in order to maximise the emissions savings that such technology provides. Therefore, outside of the 53 names (initials) that have dates in the 'AGO' column of the BBE pdf that was attached in the last email (which is attached once again), EVERYONE that is not part of this 53 ARE ELIGIBLE to get panels through the BREAZE package. Applicants will definitely need to be financial BREAZE members, however, and people can join on the night or do it via the website. People that have access to the $8000 rebate (ie under the means test) will be the people that have the greatest financial incentive, but people that have missed out on the rebate (due to the means test) and would like to go ahead and purchase anyway, OR people that wish to upgrade their current photovoltaic panel systems (that are less than 1 kw) by purchasing more panels are all strongly encouraged to come.
The more people that apply through the BREAZE package, the better the bulk cost savings, so talk to your friends, neighbours and even cast an eye over the roof space of your dog's kennel. It is definitely a case of the more, the merrier.
WHY THE URGENCY?
On Tuesday night, people that want to proceed with a pre-approval application on the basis what they have heard in the presentation, will fill out their pre-approval form EN MASSE, ON THE NIGHT, so that the forms can be sent to Dept of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA - used to be the 'AGO') the following day. What's the rush?? The reason is that due to Federal Government decisions about a 'cap' on rebate pre-approval applications, BREAZE members will need to move speedily in order to ensure that their rebate application are receipted by DEWHA before the rebate dries up like a photovoltaic version of the Moorabool river. The DEWHA is not allowed to reveal what the current application rate is, however, it is on public record that in the week prior to the Budget (where it was announced that the rebate would be means-tested on gross incomes over $100,000), rebate applications were running at 500 a week. For the six weeks post the pv means-tested budget, they were running at 365 a week. On these figures, the 25 million that was brought forward by the Federal Government (to create a total of 56.6 million) will expire in about EIGHT WEEKS. This clock is already ticking. The AGO has confirmed with us that given that these figures are publicly available in Hansard, this is the rebate timeframe implication. In other words, if you want to get a photovoltaic system on your roof that draws on the $8000 rebate, there MAY not be many more weeks left in which to do so.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The rebate pre-approvals must be submitted as a matter of urgency.
Unfortunately, we would love for there to be much greater certainty that the government could offer and that community groups such as ourselves should not have to be scurrying around like mad chooks, but these are the ramifications of the current set of Government decisions. It makes us all VERY CROSS. According to the recent survey, 25 BREAZE respondents said that the means-test now meant that they would not be able to afford a 1 kw system. More cross.
AM I 'LOCKED IN' BY THIS PROCESS?
In order to submit a pre-approval, the system details filled out on the form, which is why BREAZE needed to arrive at a package which includes all these details. If BREAZErs later wish to increase the size of their inverter, for example, they can contact the AGO after they receive their approval and change their system size. No-one will be 'locked into' any decision on the night that they can't potentially pull out of later (ie you can let your AGO pre-approval 'lapse' if need be). However, given that the attractive nature of the pv package, BREAZErs will probably feel no need to alter their original decisions.
THINGS TO KNOW
1 The package will be for a 1kw system, with the option of buying a larger inverter for people that want to upgrade to more panels later. The package will be inclusive of all panels, inverter, mounting system, and installation costs. Additional indicative costs outside of BREAZE's control (ie electrical upgrades, meter change over etc) will be provided on the night. We will endeavour to send this package out to people via email over the weekend, so that people can talk about it prior to Tuesday night.
2 The package will need to be self-funded (ie BREAZE does not have the capital to buy the systems), with money to go into a BREAZE Trust Account (but certainly NOT immediately). People will have the option of financing out of the loose change they have lying around on the kitchen bench (ie Jamie Packer), drawing down on their mortgage or taking a loan with a bank. BREAZE has had discussions with Bendigo Bank about a preferential 'green loan' arrangement and costing details for this option will be available on the night.
3 The Committee feels confident that the package we have negotiated is:
Ø Financially very competitive and in line with the pricing range that was favoured by the majority of members that responded to the recent survey
Ø A package that will help move BREAZE towards the (utterly necessary) goal of financial self sustainability
Ø Backed by local installers with a commitment to roll out pvs in an affordable way for members
Ø A program that will help to build local capacity
At the Committee meeting, The BREAZE Committee voted to engage BREAZE member Bridget O'Sullivan for a short term contract position due to the need to get the pre-approval forms and other aspects of the package organised in time. Your membership fees at work! Pre-inspections by the installation team are likely to begin fairly immediately following the meeting.
CAN'T ATTEND ON TUESDAY?
In order to cater for people that can't attend but who want to be part of the scheme, BREAZErs can contact Bridget O'Sullivan so that they can be talked thru the process. It is very likely that we will have an additional presentation night soon after Tuesday, to increase the 'take up' and increase the leverage offered by bulk pricing. However, people that can't attend but who would like to submit a pre-approval form would be urged to contact:
Bridget O'Sullivan at bridget.o...@gmail.com or 0431 533 360 (for non email members)
FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE MEANS TEST
The following info was in the last email, but for a small handful of people, it may be critical. Most people work consistently, from year to year and so whether they are under the 100 grand means test is probably the same, from year to year. However, some people may be able to fit in underneath the $100,000 means test, depending on the financial year that the pre-approval application is relevant to. If you read the guidelines (above) you will note that if an application is receipted by the DEWHA PRIOR TO July 1, the relevant financial year for calculating the household's combined income is 2006-07. If an application goes in POST July 1, the relevant financial year will be 2007-08. Families with a low or part-time income in 2006-07 may find themselves under the means test threshold, but they would need to submit their pre-approval application PRIOR to Tuesday's meeting (ie July 1). Households with a combined income of more than $100,000 in 2006-2007, but less than $100,000 in 2007-08 would need to with hold their application until July 1.
Should you be one of the handful in this situation (ie a part timer in 2006-07, but not in 2007-08), you will need to contact Bridget (above) on Friday so that an application can be filled out and post marked prior to July 1 and sent in the mail immediately.
Bring your friends. Your Romans. Your Countrymen. If you know anyone that is vaguely interested in pv panels, then drag them along as the death knell of the rebate is ringing out from Canberra. David Ward from the Dept of Infrastructure has also been invited to speak for 5 or so minutes at the beginning about the new Ballarat Public Transport Initiative
See you there!
Climatically yours
Nick Lanyon
(for the BREAZE Committee)