North Coast region cashes in on cheap battery discount

NORTH Coast residents are among the top adopters of the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, with 650 households and businesses securing a 30 per cent discount on battery systems.

The region has recorded the third-highest take-up in NSW and the ninth-highest nationwide.

Richmond Labor MP Justine Elliot said 50,000 batteries had been installed in homes, businesses and community groups across the country since July 1.

“For North Coast locals with existing solar, a typical battery could see you save up to $1100 a year on your energy bill,” Elliot said. “[A total of] 650 homes, businesses and community groups across the North Coast are now powered with cheaper batteries.”

Households can save about $4000 on a typical installation, with the discount decreasing each year until 2030. More than one million new batteries are expected to be installed nationally by then.

The program is designed to reduce demand on the grid during peak times and cut reliance on fossil fuels.

“Australians want real action on climate change, and they want the benefits of renewable energy flowing to them and their communities,” Elliot said. “This program is working in our community and across the country.”

The discount is funded by the Federal Government, administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, and delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.