Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has welcomed moves to boost household battery adoption that will make it more affordable for Australians to access electrification technology in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. Increased battery adoption is relevant to the plumbing industry, as it is likely to stimulate demand for efficient, plumbed electrical equipment like heat pumps.

Last week the Federal Government, in conjunction with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), launched a pilot scheme that will electrify 500 homes in the Illawarra region. The program includes a subsidy of up to $1,500 off home batteries.

In addition, both the Federal Government and Opposition are reported to be in the process of devising household battery schemes that would provide financial relief for households looking to install this technology.

MEA CEO Kate Raymond urged both the Government and Opposition to support schemes that encourage Australians to embrace home battery programs, such as Dr Helen Haines Cheaper Home Batteries Bill that would slash the cost of installing a home battery.

“Investment in schemes that encourage an uplift in household batteries would be the gift that keeps on giving for struggling Australian households. One-off rebates, such as we have seen from State Governments, provide only short-term relief whereas battery technology provides a more permanent solution to slashing household power bills,” Ms Raymond said.

“MEA is supportive of efforts from Dr Helen Haines to make household batteries more affordable by including them in the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). At a cost of $3.6 million over four years, it is a small investment from the government that would provide ongoing financial relief during a cost-of-living crisis.”

“MEA has met with the Energy Minister and the Nationals Leader in recent months and we feel that momentum is building on both sides of politics on this matter. But with broad agreement that household batteries will be essential technology, there is no time like the present to incentivise households to embrace a more affordable way to store and use electricity.”

Ms Raymond also welcomed the recent announcement of the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot that will provide an invaluable insight into how solar panels and home batteries can positively affect the grid.

“The Electrify 2515 Community Pilot is exciting news for local households as well as the many small electrical businesses in the Illawarra region.

“It will provide a real insight into how household electrification, together with solar and batteries can reduce power bills, cut emissions, and what impact this technology has on the overall grid. We welcome this pilot program and believe it will advance the cause of household battery schemes.”

[22 Oct 2024]