Solar Citizens supports cross-sector push for new Fed Govt investment in household energy bill savings plan
Solar Citizens has today joined more than 50 civil society groups, unions, doctors, parents and fellow environment and climate groups in asking the Federal Government for an Energy Bills Savings Plan to power more Australian homes by rooftop solar and access batteries.
The Energy Bills Saving Plan includes:
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Investment of an additional $5 billion in funding to reduce or eliminate the upfront cost of installing rooftop solar and home batteries for millions of Australians who could benefit the most from the cost-saving benefits of solar;
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A ten-year investment plan to repower Australian homes and communities with rooftop solar, home batteries and more efficient electric appliances to help cut energy bills and reduce carbon pollution; and
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Targeted investment in solar for all, with support for households currently locked out of the benefits of solar, including renters, people who live in apartments or social housing and people with low-incomes or savings.
Solar Citizens Acting CEO Joel Pringle said, “The Energy Bills Saving Plan released today can deliver significant cost savings for households and accelerate their transition from energy consumers to energy prosumers – producing, storing, and sharing rooftop solar.
“Every household in every postcode across Australia should have access to energy bill savings from rooftop solar. No one should be left behind.
“Rooftop solar is a shining success story in Australia and now we need to push on so even more households can share the benefits of cheaper, cleaner solar energy.
“There’s massive potential for Federal Government investment in rooftop solar to deliver household savings of up to $1,500 a year on average to millions of Australians. Our households can save even more if there is also funding for home batteries so people can store their excess solar power during the day and use it at night or at a time that suits them best.
“While we have more than three million solar households today, too many Australians are still locked out of the benefits of solar, including renters and people living in apartments or social housing.
“If we could meet the solar potential for private rental properties alone it would mean $2.9 billion in energy savings each year. Imagine the impact if the significant cost savings from installing solar on rentals was passed on to the people renting those apartments or houses [1].
“Access to cheaper, cleaner solar power would be life-changing for many people currently struggling with rising electricity bills and other cost of living pressures.
“Now is the time for government action to bring down our energy bills, for everyone, for good,” he said.
[1] Rooftop Solar Potential of Australian Housing Stock by Tenure and Dwelling Type, April 2024
