CEC’s Rocky Start as Product List Manager
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) encountered a rocky start in its new role as the product list manager for the federal rooftop solar rebate, facing a mishap on the first day of its revamped service. Reports revealed that AERL, a semiconductor manufacturer based in Brisbane, was erroneously charged $5,500 instead of $1,100 while trying to register a battery charger through the CEC’s online product listing portal.
In response to the incident, AERL’s Peter Watkinson expressed frustration at the lack of response from the CEC despite attempts to reach out via phone and email. The blunder comes at an inopportune time, following the Clean Energy Regulator’s decision to reappoint the CEC as the product listing body for various solar equipment eligible under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Challenges and Controversies
The CER’s choice to retain the CEC in this role sparked controversy, with 175 submissions during industry consultations highlighting issues such as poor communication, cumbersome systems, opaque processes, and high expenses. However, the CER defended its decision by assuring the industry of new service standards and a commitment to delivering an enhanced service, as outlined in the CEC’s application.
Following discussions with the Clean Energy Council, it was confirmed that the billing error with AERL had been rectified, attributed to a computer system glitch. The CEC acknowledged the mistake in a statement on LinkedIn, clarifying that the application was misclassified as a standard inverter application instead of power conversion equipment.
Commitment to Improvement
Emphasising the importance of the rooftop solar and storage sector in Australia, the Clean Energy Council reiterated its dedication to driving enhancements in the Products program. The council highlighted plans to boost the capacity of its Products team and outlined a comprehensive strategy to enhance the program, aiming to collaborate with the Clean Energy Regulator and industry stakeholders to implement these improvements.
Sophie Vorrath, editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of Renew Economy, has been actively reporting on clean energy for over a decade, shedding light on developments in the sector.
