The Smart Energy Council strongly welcomes Federal Labor’s commitment today to a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program. 

“The Cheaper Home Batteries Program will not only slash power bills for 10 million Australians with solar but also ensure all Australians are at least $1.3 billion better off in 2030 through reduced wholesale electricity costs”.

“This really is a battery bill buster program.”

“The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is the most important development in consumer energy since Australians first gained access to subsidised solar panels,” Smart Energy Council Chief Executive John Grimes said. 

“This Albanese Government program will literally help millions of Australians permanently reduce their energy bills.”

“Four million Australian homes have solar and this policy will help them store that energy for later when it will be at its cheapest. 10 million Australians are already producing solar power, now they can store it.”

“Australians can take control of their power bills and when and how they produce and use electricity. This literally gives power back to Australians.”

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program will allow Australian households without solar to save up to $2,300 a year if they get solar and a solar battery, whilst those with solar can save up to an extra $1,100 by adding a solar battery”. 

There are currently 77 solar batteries on the Australian market, starting at around $4,000 for a 5kWh battery.

The Smart Energy Council is pleased to see the government has listened closely to industry when preparing this policy, ensuring there is strong guidance from the get go about its design.

A range of between 5-15 kWh for home batteries is an appropriate model for Australian households, and $372 per kWh will make a massive difference in bridging the gap between people who couldn’t previously contemplate getting a solar battery.

“It’s important to understand that this policy will help reduce the power bills of everyone, not just those who can get solar and a battery,” Mr Grimes said.

“Less demand on the energy grid means fewer price peaks, a win win for all.”

Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192