A re-elected Labor Government will introduce a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program from 1 July 2025 to reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by 30 per cent – with over one million new batteries expected by 2030.
Through the scheme, households will be able to purchase a typical battery with a 30 per cent discount on installed costs – saving around $4000 on a typical battery.
The battery will be installed at home and store power from solar panels for the household to use when needed.
The discount will be delivered through the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
Small businesses and community facilities will also be able to access the subsidy, with support for up to 50 kWh of batteries sized up to 100 kWh eligible.
Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said helping households electrify is a no-brainer.
“For households and businesses that already have solar systems, being able to install a battery will cut emissions, reduce peak loads across the grid and, most importantly, lower power bills,” Mr Zorbas said.
“Electrification is the fastest and cheapest way to decarbonise our built environment.
“Electrifying Australia’s homes and businesses requires steady investment and policy settings to help Australians to upgrade their homes.
“Beyond this, we need a broader plan to ‘renovate Australia’, with priority support for low-income and vulnerable households.
“Helping households and businesses to save money on their bills should include efficiency measures like draught proofing, insulation and upgrading low-efficiency appliances to efficient, electric and grid-interactive versions,” he said.
According to modelling from the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, electrifying Australia’s built environment could deliver $49 billion in energy savings and 199 million tonnes in avoided emissions between 2024 and 2050 compared to business as usual.
The Property Council’s pro-cities, pro-investment election platform calls for parties to reduce energy bills forever with a long-term strategy for quality retrofits of existing residential and commercial buildings, including a household energy upgrades program that incentivises meaningful energy efficiency initiatives and electrification of household appliances.