Maitland could be one of the first electorates to become home to a public sector energy agency under a NSW Greens’ plan.
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The agencies would provide technical advice and financial support to people during the transition of homes and businesses from coal and gas power sources to renewable energy sources, such as solar.
Energy spokesperson John Kaye said that the Greens would work with whichever party formed government at the next election to establish a network of 20 clean energy agencies across the state, including the Hunter.
“The age of coal and gas is over and the faster we make the transition, the lower household power bills will be, the better it will be for employment and the more jobs we will create,” he said during a visit to Maitland yesterday.
“But that transition has to happen in a way that brings along every household in NSW, whether they are wealthy or poor, or whether they are renters or homeowners.”
Dr Kaye said the Greens’ plan would allow Maitland residents to sell the energy they generated from their home solar panels.
He said the plan would also combat rising unemployment in the Hunter.
“We’ve seen massive declines in employment in the mining industry already,” Dr Kaye said.
“Basing the Hunter economy on a commodity like coal is always going to create fluctuations in employment opportunities.
“The industry of the future that will generate more jobs than the coal industry could ever dream of is the transition to renewable energy.
“Jobs in design, manufacturing, installation, marketing, maintenance - across the spectrum there is a whole regime of new jobs available [in renewable energy].”
Greens candidate for Maitland John Brown said the Hunter would benefit more from a statewide transition to renewable than most other regions in NSW.
“That’s why we are keen to see every household across NSW have access to technical advice and financial assistance to break free from coal-fired electricity and gas for heating and cooking,” he said.
“Engaging households in active decision making about their electricity use is critical to transforming the industry.”