Households and small businesses across the South Coast are being encouraged to take advantage of the Albanese Labor Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program from July 1.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the program would slash energy bills across Gilmore, which already boasts 33,000 local solar panel installations - more than any electorate in Sydney.

“The Cheaper Home Batteries Program will roll out from 1 July 2025 and reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by 30 per cent,” Mrs Phillips said.

These batteries could save a household with existing rooftop solar up to $1,100 off their power bill every year, and $2,300 a year for households installing a new solar and a battery system. 

“We’re making batteries cheaper which will slash energy bills for households, small businesses and community facilities by up to 90 per cent,” Mrs Phillips said.

“A cheaper home battery means you can store your cheap solar power for when you need it, slashing your bills for good.

“By providing a 30 per cent discount on up-front costs, we’re making home batteries more affordable for everyone.

“This will help households reduce their reliance on the grid – and take back control of their power bills.”

The uptake of solar in Gilmore is equivalent to about 200 megawatts of energy – enough to power about 60,000 households. Batteries will mean more of this cheap power available in the evening, helping push down bills for everyone.

Mrs Phillips said the benefits of the program would extend beyond solar-powered homes.

“Batteries help push down peak demand, which in-turn pushes down prices for everyone,” she said.

“It means a greater chance to use cheap solar when we need it most, which makes bills cheaper for everyone in our community.”

There have been four million rooftop solar installations across Australia. One in three Australian households now have solar – but only one in 40 households have a battery.

Through the scheme, households will be able to purchase a typical battery with a 30 per cent discount on installed costs – saving around $4000.

The battery will be installed at homes and store power from solar panels for the household to use when needed.

The discount follows on from the federal government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme which has successfully and safely been delivering solar subsidies since 2011.

“If you already have solar panels, getting a battery to store power makes sense,” Mrs Phillips said.

“But I know there are many households and families in Gilmore that have thought about getting a battery that haven't been able to make it financially stack up.

“Slashing 30 per cent off the up-front cost of a battery will really drive people to take that next step.”

Media contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967