I had no say. I had to pay my bill –  the end result of the determinations of the “tea and coffee clubs” of the Federal Government agencies, who regularly meet to dunk biscuits while discussing the weekend’s football/cricket or the latest fashions.

I’m talking about The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), the Energy Security Board (ESB) the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) and the Council of Australian Governments Energy Council (COAG Energy Council).

Throw in the industry voice within the AEMC, the Australian Energy Council, an offshoot of the Energy Retailers Association.

I’d had enough. Why should these beau acratic (some are multi-millionaires by the way) determine how much I pay for electricity?

I contacted my electricity retailer: “I want the “top of the range “solar system to defray the exorbitant costs charged by the electricity generating companies”.

No problem. My retailer installed a 5.7 Kw phase 1 solar generating system on the roof of my premises. He added a further incentive: a solar 17 cents feed-in grid rate

The result: between 26 October 2017 and the 23 April 2018 the cost for solar generated/retailer electricity $42. 45. – $7.05 a month.

Can you imagine what a boost it would be to the economy if the Federal government abandoned Snowy Hydro 2.0 and ploughed 12 billion into solar energy?

John Macleod, Berry

In response to the page 13 article "North Korea to close nuke test site in May" (Illawarra Mercury, Monday April 30, 2018), it is really hard to conclude at this point that all of a sudden Kim Jong Un woke up one day and decided to genuinely give up nuclear weapons after "conducting" 90 missile tests and numerous nuclear tests.

However, if this article is accurate then the President of North Korea is prepared to shut down their nuclear test site and work toward the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula which would be a major historical moment, not to mention an positive move towards peace.

If this new beginning with North Korea becomes a reality then Trump should be considered for the Nobel Peace prize.

In the past US presidents have been recipients: Barrack Obama for future intentions over outcomes and substance; former vice-president Al Gore for alarmist climate evangelism.

But the suggestion by the South Korean President Moon Jae-in that Donald Trump deserves to be awarded the Peace Prize for his role in the Korean peace talks will have the Trump-haters going ballistic and climbing walls given how much they promoted Him (Trump) as a person who would cause wars, not bring peace.

Adrian Devlin, Fairy Meadow

FEWER HOUSES BEING BUILT IN THE ILLAWARRA

I don't think that Illawarra is the only state that is facing issues with its supply of affordable housing units in the city. I think that we really need to take a long and hard look at the facilities and developments in the cities elsewhere too to make sure that we have enough options and solutions for people who are looking to for a safe home.

_ Nathan

IT RULES WHEN A REALITY TV SHOW COMES TO AN END

It's just another so called reality show with scripted contestant actors etc. There always have to be villains and heroes according to the producers of these shows. The overacting of the hosts is unbearable at times to me. I suppose it's entertainment to some.

_ Chris