Key to Slashing Power Bills in the Household
17 November 2022: Key to Slashing Power Bills in the Household
Solar Citizens this morning responds to findings by the Australian Energy Regulator that energy prices are forecast to remain high for the next two years, in large part due to high global coal and gas prices.
“Electricity and gas bills have spiralled out of control mainly because the war in Ukraine has pushed global coal and gas prices through the roof,” said Stephanie Gray, Deputy Director of Solar Citizens.
“But the good news is that in Australia we have the opportunity to become independent of global fossil fuel markets by harnessing our country’s ample renewable energy resources.
“Australians are already world leaders in the uptake of rooftop solar, which is the cheapest form of electricity possible, with now more than three million solar homes and businesses cashing in on the solar savings around the country.
“As electricity and gas prices spiral, it’s the perfect time for governments to support the rollout of other household clean technology – like battery storage, hot water heat pumps, and electric stovetops to help households manage the rising cost of living.
“It was smart government policy that kick-started the household solar industry, and now governments can replicate that success by supporting the accelerated uptake of household battery storage and electrification.
“In particular, we’re calling on the Federal Government to expand the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme to also provide a financial incentive for battery storage, as well as offering no-interest loans for households to invest in bill-slashing clean technology.”
The ACT Government is running a very successful no-interest loan scheme where loans of up to $15,000 are available for the purchase of things like household battery storage, solar hot water or hot water heat pumps, electric heating systems, electric stove tops, and electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. In just over a year, the scheme has delivered more than $98 million worth of loans and 5% of all eligible households have participated.
A recent report from the Climate Council found that households that switch from gas to fully electric can save up to $1,899 on their annual bills.
Solar Citizens is also calling on governments to implement programs to support everyone to access solar, including people living in rental properties, social housing and apartments.
“At the moment renters and people living in apartments are unlikely to have access to cheap solar energy, so it’s up to governments to implement incentive schemes and also introduce mandatory minimum energy efficiency standards in rentals. By doing this they can make sure no one is left fully exposed to high fossil fuel prices," said Ms Gray.
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Media contact: Stephanie Gray 0425 543 006
