What information will be collected from the Solar Cities program?
Fact sheet 2
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, April 2009
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What are we collecting?
When you join the Solar Cities program we collect information about:
- your house: information on the site, such as the size of the residence and type of hot water service.
- your energy use: data on your energy use is captured through a smart meter.
- your involvement in Solar Cities: the initiatives that you are subscribed to through the Solar City.
- broad demographic information, such as the age and the number of people who live in your home and the language(s) spoken.
Why is this information important?
The information collected will help us to find solutions to a number of challenges in delivering sustainable energy outcomes for Australia.
The information gathered through the Solar Cities program will help:
- consumers to better manage their energy use and save money;
- industry to test sustainable energy options in a low-risk environment;
- electricity companies to better understand the extent of cost savings in servicing peak energy demand periods; and
- governments to develop future energy and greenhouse policy.
What happens to this data?
- Your data is protected and all information that we collect is subject to the Privacy Act 1988 and the National Privacy Principles.
- Your name and address is removed from the data and will not be provided to the Australian Government.
- The information you provide will NOT be used for marketing purposes, except with your permission.
- Summary data and reports (excluding your personal information) may be released to the public.
About the Program
The Solar Cities program was developed by the Australian Government to bring industry, business, governments and communities together to rethink the way they produce and use energy.
There are seven Solar Cities in the program; they are located in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Blacktown, Central Victoria, Moreland, Perth and Townsville. Each Solar City will trial a unique range of energy options, such as energy efficiency measures for homes and businesses, pricing trials to reward those people who use energy wisely, the use of solar technologies and community education about energy use.
Will I make a difference?
The Solar Cities program is about more than just solar power and saving energy. It is about understanding how you and your community can change your behaviour when helped with the necessary tools, information and the right incentives.
You can help by participating in one of the trials. Your data will help governments, industry and the community to:
- better manage energy production and use;
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
- protect Australia's environment.
Further information
Visit the Australian Government's Solar Cities website: www.environment.gov.au/solarcities
© Commonwealth of Australia 2009
Information contained in this publication may be copied or reproduced for study, research, information or educational purposes, subject to inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source.
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