The Smart Energy Council applauds agreement by Australia’s state, territory, and federal Energy Ministers to explore safe pathways for plug-in Consumer Energy Resource (CER) devices.
At their latest meeting, Energy Ministers agreed that the Commonwealth, in partnership with states and territories, will identify measures to enable the safe use of plug-in CER devices – such as portable solar panels and batteries – and report back later this year on concrete next steps.
This agreement marks the critical first step toward enabling plug-in solar and battery technologies in Australia, which would allow millions of households to simply plug generation and storage directly into standard wall outlets.
Chief Executive Officer David McElrea praised the ministers for taking decisive action to break down barriers to affordable clean energy.
“The Smart Energy Council has been advocating for all households to gain access to solar and batteries, this is an important first step. For too long, the benefits of solar and batteries – slashing power bills and giving households direct control over their energy use – have been out of reach for a massive segment of the population,” Mr McElrea said.
“Around 30 per cent of Australian households, including renters and people living in apartments or medium-density housing, are currently locked out of traditional rooftop solar and wall-mounted batteries. Enabling safe plug-in CER devices is a game-changer that will finally make clean, cheap energy accessible to millions more Australians.”
“We strongly welcome this decision and look forward to working closely with state, territory, and Commonwealth ministers and regulators to ensure these pathways are developed safely, quickly, and effectively.”
“Allowing consumers to plug in portable solar and battery systems puts real power back in people’s hands. It lowers electricity costs, boosts energy independence, and ensures the energy transition leaves no household behind.”
Media contact: media@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192
