29 November, 2025

The Smart Energy Council welcomes the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) Residential Electricity Price Trends report, saying it provides the clearest evidence yet that accelerating renewable energy and electrification is the key to protecting households from higher power prices.

The report confirms residential electricity prices are projected to fall by around 5 per cent over the next five years because of new renewable generation and batteries – but warns prices could rise by 13 per cent from 2030–2035 if renewable, storage and transmission projects do not keep pace with coal closures and growing demand.

David McElrea, Smart Energy Council Chief of Advocacy, said the findings should be a wake-up call for governments and industry to double down on delivery.

“This report is unequivocal: renewables push prices down and delays push prices up. This is a timing challenge, not a technology cost issue,” David McElrea said.

“Coal is retiring, gas is expensive and demand is rising, and only more clean energy will protect households from higher bills. 

“It’s clear we need a faster build out of renewables and transmission projects and ongoing support for successful initiatives like the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.”

“The economics are crystal clear. Every delay to wind, solar, battery or transmission projects means higher prices for consumers. The cheapest energy is renewable energy, and Australia must treat delivery as an economic priority.”

“The message for all governments is simple: if we want lower prices in every state, we need renewables, storage and transmission delivered on time and at scale.”

Read the full report here

Email: media@smartenergy.org.au
Phone: +61 448 972 192
Website: www.smartenergy.org.au

About the Smart Energy Council

The Smart Energy Council is the peak independent membership body representing Australia’s renewable energy industry. We are a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, advocating on behalf of our members and the wider industry for strong energy policy, increased investment, energy security and sustainable industry growth. Our work spans residential, commercial and industrial distributed energy resources (DER), including solar PV and battery storage, rooftop solar, electrification, electric vehicles and smart transport, renewable manufacturing, large-scale renewable energy, electricity grid development and emerging energy technologies. We represent our members’ interests nationally and internationally, including across the Asia-Pacific region.

If your organisation operates in the renewable energy sector, become a member to support our work, strengthen our collective voice and help shape the industry’s future.  

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