Solar Citizens gives the NSW Budget an F for failing to deliver on consumer energy resources for households with no plan to provide lasting energy bill relief for apartments and rental households, compounded by the Minns Government’s recent decision to pull support for home batteries.
Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas said:
“This Budget is a missed opportunity to address the cost of living, climate and energy crises - more support for clean energy resources like rooftop solar, home batteries and electric vehicle infrastructure would save households money and cut greenhouse emissions.
“The NSW Government’s own Net Zero Commission says the state will not reach its legislated targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035, and the possibility of further extending Eraring coal-fired power plant past its 2027 closure date must be avoided at all costs.
“Solar Citizens welcomes the State Government’s commitment to invest $2.6bn over the next four years to support the rollout of large-scale solar, wind and storage across five Renewable Energy Zones. However this budget is a missed opportunity to support household clean energy options which deliver lasting bill relief, as well as energy equity for locked out households like renters and apartment residents.
“We are concerned that - just like the recent decision to roll back the NSW battery rebate - this budget shows the Minns Government is taking a back seat while the Federal Government drives consumer energy uptake with their $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries program.
“Rooftop solar uptake in NSW is below the national average. Many households face barriers and remain locked into expensive electricity and gas bills -particularly people who live in apartments and renters.
“More than half of Australia’s apartment residents live in NSW, and more than a third of all social housing tenants and renters.
“The NSW Consumer Energy Strategy finds that renters are often at a disadvantage compared to homeowners when it comes to accessing the benefits of solar and energy saving technologies, however the Minns government has so far taken no action to address this inequity.
“NSW is lagging behind other jurisdictions when it comes to implementing Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for rental properties. Climate Change & Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has committed to introduce voluntary disclosure of home energy performance ratings at the point of sale or lease in 2025, however we first need to see Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards implemented for this policy to be effective.
“Less than 2% of apartments in NSW have rooftop solar, compared to a third of freestanding homes. As the Government continues to push for more high-density housing it is essential that serious action is taken to provide apartments with lasting bill relief through rooftop solar, household storage and efficient electric appliances.
“The NSW Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) rebate program is a step in the right direction, however fewer than 2% of the state’s strata schemes will benefit from this initial round of funding. High-rise apartments remain locked out as the rebate is only available for apartment buildings with up to 55 units.
“The Minns Government is determined to build more high-density housing - with 60,000 new apartments due to be approved before November 2027 under the Transport Oriented Development Program - yet has failed to consider how future residents will be able to access clean energy with reduced energy bills.
“In contrast, Solar Citizens welcomes the recent announcement made by the Victorian Government that all new commercial and residential buildings must be all-electric with no gas appliances from 2027, as well as plans to phase out gas hot water systems in all existing Victorian homes. This policy will save Victorians thousands of dollars in energy bills and help to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“Solar Citizens has repeatedly asked the NSW Government for clean energy mandates for new homes and apartments, including mandatory rooftop solar backed by storage, electric vehicle charging, and efficient, all-electric appliances, however no action has been taken to ensure that these new homes will deliver on clean energy and transport.
“It’s disappointing to see that, despite multiple funding commitments made to building new housing in the next year’s budget, there is no evidence that the future energy bills or the potential for emissions reduction through renewable energy and electrification of these new homes has been considered at all.”