We need permanent solutions to energy affordability, not just band-aids
Rewiring Australia says the federal government must make long term investments to slash bills, rather than relying on temporary relief such as the now axed energy rebates.
“This rebate was always a short term bandaid. It softens bills for a year, then disappears, while households are still stuck with gas and inefficient appliances that keep costs high. If the government wants real cost of living relief, it should fund an Electrify Everything Loans Scheme for low income homes and their landlords so they can install solar, batteries and efficient electric appliances with zero interest, deferred repayment loans secured on the property and repaid when the home is sold,” Rewiring Australia CEO Francis Vierboom said.
“For renters to get the benefit of policies like three free hours of daytime electricity from next year, many homes will need a switchboard upgrade. A loan attached to the home would let landlords and low income households get their properties ready for the energy future so people see real, permanent bill cuts instead of another short term rebate.”
Under Rewiring Australia’s proposed Electrify Everything Loans Scheme, which was developed in collaboration with Dr Bruce Chapman, the architect of the HECs scheme, the federal government would offer inflation-indexed, deferred repayment loans secured on the property title so owners and landlords can pay for solar, batteries, efficient electric appliances and necessary switchboard upgrades. The loan would be indexed and repaid when the property is sold, so low income households and renters can cut bills and emissions without facing large upfront costs.
Rewiring Australia’s CEO Francis Vierboom is available for interview today. Text or call Kathleen to arrange a time - 0421 522 080.
