Updated March 15, 2010 14:03:00

The ICRC wants to cut the solar feed-in tariff to 45.7 cents. (ABC News)

The ACT’s independent pricing regulator has increased the premium it wants paid under the Government’s solar feed-in tariff scheme.

The Government currently pays 50 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity generated.

Last month the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) made a draft recommendation to cut that figure to 37 cents.

No in its final report the ICRC is recommending a smaller cut to 45.7 cents.

Commissioner Paul Baxter says that is still high enough to attract people to the scheme while being fairer to people who cannot participate.

The ICRC also wants the Government to pay larger generators the full premium, instead of a reduced rate.

Energy Minister Simon Corbell says he is pleased the ICRC has moderated its demands for the tariff to be less generous.

Mr Corbell says a big cut to premiums would have driven people away from the scheme.

“This is a report that has sort to take account of some of the concerns raised about the initial draft recommendation,” he said.

“I’m pleased to see there’s been a moderation in that and I think he’s heading towards an appropriate balance.

“I’ll make a final decision in due course.”

Tags: states-and-territories, solar-energy, act, canberra-2600

First posted March 15, 2010 13:37:00

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