Rewiring Australia welcomes Labor’s election promise to subsidise more home batteries
Rewiring Australia has welcomed the Labor government’s evidence-based proposal to get more batteries into Australian homes, creating far cheaper and cleaner energy.
The federal government has made a pledge to subsidise the cost of installing home batteries which Rewiring Australia has long been campaigning for.
If elected, Labor would reduce the cost of installation by 30%.
The $2.3 billion pledge is expected to see one million new batteries installed in Australian homes by 2030, and would come into effect from July this year.
“Bills are high and getting higher, and cash rebates can only help us in the short term. This plan to make it easier for people to install batteries is an absolute game-changer,” Co-Founder and Chief Scientist of Rewiring Australia Dr Saul Griffith said.
“We know households are struggling. But we also know there is a solution that makes sense and Australia is well on the way to making the most out of our sun. We are world-leaders in rooftop solar. It makes complete sense to store it at our homes.”
Rewiring Australia’s recently released ‘Electrification Tipping Point’ report shows households stand to save thousands of dollars by upgrading their traditional gas appliances and systems and switching to an electric car and using solar and a home battery to power their house.
The report found adding a battery would generate about $900 in savings for the average household with solar and all-electric appliances, with more savings possible on a VPP or time-of-use energy plan.
“This is how we are going to reduce people’s bills, while also cutting emissions. It’s a win-win,” Dr Saul Griffith said.
“It’s expensive to install batteries. We get that. So this proposal from Labor is exactly the kind of action needed to get on top of rising power prices for good.”
“We commend the Labor party for listening to the concerns of Australians who are sick of paying ridiculously high power bills. When we talk to communities, we know home batteries are something they are interested in but cost is always an obstacle.
“This is far better than a rebate or a proposal to cut the cost of filling up a petrol car. This will put money back in our pockets, create more local jobs and ensure Australia isn’t affected by an incredibly volatile energy market and its overseas influences,” Dr Saul Griffith said.
Rewiring Australia is also calling for further action to support households to electrify everything, including flexible loans to help everyone afford upgrades, reforms to help renters lower bills, and fully funding electrification for social housing.
To arrange an interview please call Kathleen Ferguson - 0421 522 080
