Solar Citizens is concerned by the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) findings, released today, that more people than ever are in debt to energy companies, at ever increasing amounts, and calls on Federal, State and Local governments to provide more support to households seeking access to cheaper clean solar energy.
“Too many Australian households are trapped with increasing energy costs and energy debt, because they are locked out of accessing rooftop solar. On average, solar households are saving $1,500 each year on their energy bills” said Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas.
“We estimate that around 60% of Australians are locked out of the benefits of rooftop solar and consumer energy resources because they are renting, living in an apartment, strata-titled property or social housing, and it is essential that these households receive the funding and support required to ensure they can fully participate in the clean energy transition by electrifying and decarbonising their homes."
“Australians need power bill relief, and government support for solar panels and home batteries would provide long-term relief and deliver savings for up to 20 years,” said Ms Douglas.
The AER’s State of the Energy Market 2024 report released yesterday finds that:
- The number of Australian households in debt to their energy retailer increased 6% over the last 12 months
- The average amount of debt increased by 17% in NSW and 10% in South Australia over the last 12 months
- Average debts for in-debt households ranges between $800 and $1,450 across the states and territories
- The proportion of households in retailer hardship programs has increased in every jurisdiction besides the ACT, and now sits at 40,500 across the National Energy Market
Recent analysis commissioned by Solar Citizens and conducted by the Australian PV Institute at the University of NSW found:
- A massive potential cost saving of $9.3 billion per year for households, if people living in apartments or houses with more space for solar panels were supported to install more rooftop solar,
- Closing the solar potential gap would create 240,000 additional job-years of employment in the solar sales and installation industry, equivalent to employing 48,000 people for five years,
- an average annual household bill savings of $1,390 each year continuing for the operational lifetime of the solar PV systems, usually 20 years or more.
Media Contacts:
Heidi Lee Douglas, CEO Solar Citizens 0401 092 570
Carolin Wenzel, Media Advisor 0417 668 957
About Solar Citizens
Solar Citizens is an independent, community-based organisation working to protect and grow renewable energy and clean transport in Australia. Our website is https://www.solarcitizens.org.au/