Minister champions billion-dollar Home Batteries program

MINISTER for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen made a rare visit to Bendigo last week, stopping by California Gully resident Christopher Gibney’s home to provide some facts and figures regarding the Federal Government’s estimated $7.2 billion Cheaper Home Batteries program.

Introduced in July last year, the program offers an approximately 30 per cent discount on the upfront cost of installing eligible small-scale battery systems (typically between 5 kWh and 100 kWh capacity) that are capable of storing solar energy.

Minister Bowen said regional communities have been leading the way, with 42 per cent of the more than 235,000 subsidised batteries installed having been located outside metropolitan areas. “Bendigo knows that batteries in their homes means cheaper, cleaner energy, night or day, when and where they need it,” he said.

He said stored solar energy plays a critical role in supporting the grid, particularly during heatwaves when demand spikes.

“From powering story time at the library, to bedtime stories at home, our investment in renewable energy is delivering cheaper, cleaner energy for everyone in Bendigo,” he said.

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the region was already a leader in rooftop solar uptake.

“Cheaper Home Batteries are now helping store their power, cut their bills for good, and take control of their energy use,” she said.

As well as households, $1.4 million has also been allocated to local energy efficiency upgrades, including a $1.2 million electrification project at Bendigo Library and funding to help Mount Alexander Shire Council electrify Castlemaine Town Hall.

Find out more about the program on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.