Blue Mountains Posts

Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP said Labor would provide the means-tested rebate for 100,000 households, as well as low-cost loans for households.

“More and more people are embracing household solar energy,” she said. “They know it saves them money and it’s good for the environment.

“Supporting the installation of more household battery systems is the next big step in helping families lower their energy bills and given the support that initiatives in the Mountains like Low Carbon Living have, I expect Blue Mountains residents to take up the battery incentive with enthusiasm.

“When the sun goes down, or when electricity usage is at its peak, people can draw on their own stored energy, giving them more control over their power bills.

“It will also help lower power prices and improve reliability for everyone by reducing demand on the electricity grid in peak times.

Ms Templeman said that if Labor wins next year’s election the Household Battery Program would begin in 2020, aiming to triple the number of battery systems across Australia.

Households earning less than $180,000 a year would be eligible.

“The Smart Energy Council estimates that new household solar and batteries would allow most homes to save more than 60 per cent off their power bills.

“And our environment is also the winner, because cheaper and cleaner electricity will help Australia achieve 50 per cent of power from renewables by 2030.

“A Labor Government would also invest in a Neighbourhood Renewables Program so that renters and social housing residents can benefit from cheaper and cleaner renewable energy.

“Community power hubs will be established to support the development of renewables projects in local communities – which could benefit Blue Mountains community groups seeking grants to pilot new projects.

Labor’s Neighbourhood Renewables Program has a capped budget cost of $75 million over the forward estimates and $100 million over four years to 2022-23.