Solarcity fails to gain traction with their complaint against solar tax

Solarcity, New Zealand's leading solar services provider was denied the complaint they filed against solar tax in NZ.

The complaint states that solar tax breaches the electricity industry code and was supported by over 45,000 Kiwis.

This solar tax can cost consumers an extra $239 per year without providing any extra services.

Unison Networks introduced its solar tax in April last year.

It stated that users in Hawke's Bay, Rotorua and Taupo areas would be charged an extra fee for their connecting lines.

Solarcity's complaint has been in the centre of a legal tango for over a year now.

It was formally denied by the High Court on June 19, 2017.

Solarcity CEO Andrew Booth says that, "It's disappointing for Kiwis looking to embrace solar and energy efficiency as it means the electricity sector is able to make up its own rules without having to defend them in a hearing.

"The current system is failing New Zealanders. We need the government to step in and ensure there is a level playing field so that solar, batteries and energy efficient technologies are encouraged.

"The electricity sector must take climate change into account and not penalise families that are trying to do the right thing for future generations.

Solar energy is a key step in making New Zealand's energy network more resilient, as well as a step toward the government's goal of 90% renewable energy by 2025.

It is therefore disappointing that the solar tax complaint is not being taken seriously, as it pushes ordinary Kiwis away from the renewable option in favour of the cheaper alternative.

The extra tax serves as an attempt to monopolise energy.

Booth adds that, "These kinds of approaches by monopolies to try to stop solar won't work.

"Similar moves in Spain, Sweden and South Australia have all failed.