Solar slashes power bills but more government support required
5 July 2023: Solar slashes power bills but more government support required
Solar Citizens National Director Heidi Lee Douglas is responding to Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen's calls for families to cut power bills with rooftop solar:
Rooftop solar can cut household power bills while energy costs are surging, but Energy Minister Chris Bowen needs to provide far more support and subsidies to lower upfront costs and increase access so everyone can benefit from these savings, including low-income households and renters.
With all state, territory and federal Energy Ministers meeting later this week at the Climate and Energy Ministerial Council, the first thing on the agenda should be nationally consistent policies to install rooftop solar on social housing, expand subsidies for low-income households and increase incentives for solar on private rental properties.
$1.3 billion was allocated in the Federal Budget for household energy support. This funding should be immediately rolled out to support families struggling with bills right now.
Households save around $1200 a year with rooftop solar and those savings last for the lifetime of the solar system which might be 10 to 20 years. State and Federal Governments are spending billions on one-off power bill subsidies that are providing essential support right now, but similar investments in rooftop solar would provide savings now and protect families from future increases in electricity prices.
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Media Contact: Heidi Lee Douglas, National Director 0401 092 570
