Move to cut energy use [06mar06]

AN energy-saving agency that encourages power saving and 10 hybrid cars for government use are included in the Tasmanian Greens' energy policy.

The Greens would also like to spend $1.5 million over four years to create a Centre for Renewable Energy Innovation, said Greens energy spokesman Nick McKim yesterday.

"The highlight is the investment of $5 million into an energy efficiency and conservation agency which will administer schemes such as the Energy Conservation Loans Scheme to assist domestic users to invest in energy-efficient technologies such as solar hot water systems," Mr McKim said.

A statewide planning process would make sure the public had input into where wind farms were built.

The Greens wanted Tasmania's public transport to be converted to natural gas.









And he said: "For years now we've been advocating for the State Government to lead the way by a gradual conversion of the government car fleet to hybrid vehicles, so will start that phase-in by allocating $400,000 to purchase 10 hybrid cars."

The Greens would investigate the possibility of a biofuels industry, require bulk power users to take energy efficiency measures and keep the Hydro in public ownership.

The energy policy states: "Notwithstanding the Basslink cable, which will for the first time permit the importation to Tasmania of polluting, emission-heavy electricity generated by burning brown coal, Tasmania retains the potential to take a world-leading role in new and emerging energy technologies."

Mr McKim said smart electricity meters for homes and businesses would be added incentive to save power.

The fixed-cost part of Tasmanians' power bills should be reduced, with a corresponding rise in the per-unit costs, which would be fairer to shack owners and small householders who use little power but pay a hefty fixed price.

Mr McKim said the Greens rejected nuclear power or storing nuclear waste created in other states, as well as the burning of native forests for electricity.