The New South Wales Government has introduced a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing access to energy-saving technologies, such as solar panels and battery systems, to alleviate energy bills and help ease cost of living challenges.
According to the State Government, the Consumer Energy Strategy: Powering our People and Communities places a strong emphasis on individuals, allocating $290 million in new funding while outlining 50 initiatives to assist households and small businesses in adopting energy-saving technologies.
Independent Review and Recommendations
In 2023, the New South Wales Government launched an independent review known as the Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up.
This review advocated for the development of a New South Wales Consumer Energy Resources strategy, a recommendation that has been officially accepted by the State Government.
Key Initiatives in the Strategy
Among the significant actions the New South Wales Government has pledged to implement are:
- Launching a new incentive and rebate programme to assist households in upgrading their energy-saving technologies, including a substantial $238.9 million Home Energy Saver initiative aimed at providing financial support to eligible households, with the programme expected to be designed and rolled out by the end of 2025.
- Introducing new home energy ratings starting in 2025, giving renters and buyers clearer information regarding the heating and cooling costs associated with their prospective homes.
- Establishing pioneering targets for the uptake of solar and battery technology in Australia, as well as enhancing virtual power plant participation (which allows solar panels and batteries to collectively share their energy across the grid). The plan aims for one million households and small businesses to have access to both a rooftop solar setup and a battery system by 2035, increasing to nearly 1.5 million by 2050.
- Boosting safety and reliability of installations through an increase in the number of electrical safety inspectors.
- Providing practical resources and outreach to help individuals make informed choices about energy efficiency and bill reduction, including funding for community organisations to conduct outreach activities.
The New South Wales Government has expressed that the strategy’s initiatives will augment ongoing efforts and contribute to a future in which all households and small businesses benefit from the security, climate, health, and economic advantages provided by energy-saving technologies.
These actions have been shaped through extensive consultation with both industry stakeholders and the community.
Additional Support and Funding
This new Consumer Energy Strategy is built upon existing initiatives, including $435.4 million allocated for annual energy bill rebates and debt relief, $200 million to assist in rolling out public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and $175 million earmarked for energy upgrades in 24,000 social housing residences.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns highlighted that many homes in the state struggle with temperature regulation due to inadequate energy solutions, resulting in soaring household costs.
“Through this strategy, we’re simplifying access for households and small businesses to the financial benefits of solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps, all while lowering emissions,” said Minns.
“Increasing the presence of energy-saving technologies within homes and businesses is essential for reducing energy bills, lowering emissions, and enhancing the reliability of the electricity grid.”
Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future
Penny Sharpe, the New South Wales Minister for Climate Change and Energy, emphasised, “Our ambition is for New South Wales to be a frontrunner in energy transition, and this strategy represents a significant step toward fulfilling that vision.”
“We aim to facilitate easy access to the advantages of energy transition for residents and small businesses, fostering a more sustainable and affordable energy future for everyone.”
Ms Sharpe also noted that by placing a focus on accessibility and fairness, the New South Wales Government empowers households and small businesses to enhance their energy solutions.
“This effort will not only lower energy bills but will also benefit our environment. The New South Wales Consumer Energy Strategy is our approach to accelerate the energy transition while prioritising the needs of households and small businesses.”
Industry Reactions to the Strategy
The energy sector has welcomed the launch of the Consumer Energy Strategy: Powering our People and Communities, aimed at ensuring affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy across New South Wales.
According to Dom van den Berg, CEO of Energy Networks Australia (ENA), “We appreciate the New South Wales Government’s strong dedication to initiatives that reduce costs, stabilise the energy system, and achieve substantial emissions reductions.”
Van den Berg further stated that it is crucial for all residents, including renters and those living in apartment settings, to have access to clean and affordable energy.
“There’s a significant opportunity to leverage the local grid efficiently for the energy transition and provide greater savings for customers by 2030, but this window is closing,” she remarked.
Van den Berg added that the government’s strategy highlights the necessity to empower electricity distributors and introduce regulatory flexibility for the continuous evolution of electricity networks. “We particularly support exploring the potential for distribution networks to lead the development of kerbside EV charging infrastructure, a vital aspect for enhancing broader EV adoption.”
Brendan French, CEO of Energy Consumers Australia, also praised the strategy. “We’re thrilled to see a strategy that prioritises cost advantage and positive outcomes for consumers stemming from the energy transition, ensuring that everyone has a chance to benefit without leaving anyone behind,” he stated. “We particularly welcome the new Home Energy Saver programme aimed at assisting consumers in reducing their energy bills and emissions.”