29 May, 2026
The Smart Energy Council has demanded the Federal Coalition immediately rule out any plan to rip away support from the millions of households and small businesses cutting their power bills with solar and batteries.
The call follows a statement by Opposition Energy Spokesperson Dan Tehan, who has questioned the financial value and safety of the highly popular Cheaper Home Batteries Program, despite official data proving it is overwhelmingly safe, successful, and driving down power prices.
Recent independent inspections by the Clean Energy Regulator confirmed that 99 per cent of batteries inspected were safe to continue operating, thoroughly debunking the Opposition’s safety scare campaign.
Smart Energy Council Chief Executive David McElrea said he was disappointed by the Coalition’s hostility toward an industry delivering genuine cost-of-living relief and energy independence.
“There is a reason 10 million Australians go to sleep every night under a solar roof – because it works, it saves money, and it gives families control over their energy bills,” Mr McElrea said.
“Just this week, data confirmed that nationwide energy prices are falling because hundreds of thousands of Australians have added a home battery to their solar systems.”
“Why Mr Tehan would attack a program that is permanently slashing power bills during a cost-of-living crisis is deeply troubling. Calling for an audit into a program that the regulator has already deemed 99 per cent safe is an insult to the 10,000 hardworking Aussie electricians delivering it.”
The Smart Energy Council is urging the Federal Opposition to abandon its attacks and publicly back Australian households looking to take control of their energy futures.
Key Facts:
- Massive Savings: Households with existing rooftop solar save up to $1,100 a year by adding a battery. Installing a combined new solar and battery system can slash up to $2,300 annually – up to 90% off a typical family electricity bill.
- Proven Safety: The Clean Energy Regulator found 99% of inspected battery systems were safe and compliant.
- Booming Adoption: More than 4 million Australian homes have solar, and over 400,000 batteries have been installed under the rebate program so far.
- Job Creation: The program supports a skilled workforce of over 9,000 licensed, accredited Australian electricians, supporting an additional 10,000 jobs nationwide.
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Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192
