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Federal Govt. to support household battery schemes

The Federal Government recently launched a pilot scheme in partnership with the Australia Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which will electrify 500 homes in the Illawarra region.

The scheme aims to make access to electrification technology more affordable for Australians during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and includes a subsidy for home batteries that goes as high as $1500.

Additionally, both the Federal Government and Opposition are reportedly undergoing the process of creating household battery schemes that would provide financial relief for households seeking to install this technology.

This move has been welcomed by Master Electricians Australia (MEA).

“Investment in schemes that encourage an uplift in household batteries would be the gift that keeps on giving for struggling Australian households,” said Kate Raymond, CEO of MEA.

“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.”

She also expressed support for the recent announcement of the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot.

“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.”

Raymond hopes the government and the Opposition will invest in more schemes that incentivise Australians to adopt home battery programs, such as the Dr Helen Haines Cheaper Home Batteries Bill that would reduce the cost of installing a home battery.

“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.”

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