Controversial perhaps, but rebates encourage inefficiency. Thing is, you pay anyway, either through your electricity bill or your tax bill.
The powers-that-be need to ensure that rebates and subsidies actually get to the people who need it the most. Quarterly energy payments into energy accounts is good, as the money helps cut domestic cost of living. Fortnightly energy supplements in Centrelink payments not so good, as 25% gets taken as "income" and given to corporations who act as housing providers (as does 100% of Rent Assistance).
Rebates are very useful for those on low incomes. We have to economise on energy usage every day, just to be able to afford the bills. A little help goes a long way.
Rebates are a good way to get clean technology rolled out at the beginning
The energy umpire will find the best value retailer for you. Insist on free kwh during the day from local MP when wholesale electricity prices go negative. There is plenty of this in Victoria. You can see this in real time on NEM widget. Free kwh means less electricity will be curtailed. Business will have incentive to gobble up free kwh.
This content is created by the open source Your Priorities citizen engagement platform designed by the non profit Citizens Foundation