The NSW Government has unveiled its Consumer Energy Strategy: Powering our People and Communities, which it says will make it easier for households and businesses to access energy saving technologies such as solar, batteries and energy efficiency upgrades to help reduce energy bills and ease cost of living pressure.
The strategy commits $290 million in new funding and outlines 50 actions to help households and small businesses cut their energy bills to help address cost of living pressures and increase the uptake of energy savings technologies.
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Key actions outlined in the strategy include:
- Developing a new incentive and rebate scheme to help households upgrade to energy saving technologies, which includes a $238.9 million new Home Energy Saver program with financial support targeted towards eligible households. The program will be designed and rolled out by the end of 2025.
- Introducing new home energy ratings from 2025 so renters and buyers have more information about the cost of heating and cooling their potential homes.
- Setting the first targets in Australia for solar and battery uptake, virtual power plant participation (which allows solar panels and batteries to share their capacity across the grid) and installation safety. This includes a target of 1 million households and small businesses having access to both a rooftop solar and battery system by 2035, rising to nearly 1.5 million by 2050.
- Improving the safety and reliability of installations by increasing the number of electrical safety inspectors.
- Providing practical resources and outreach so people can make informed decisions to improve energy efficiency and cut bills. This includes funding community organisations to conduct outreach.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “Through the strategy, we are making it easier for households and small businesses to access the cost saving benefits of solar panels, batteries and heat pumps, while they reduce their emissions.
“Having more energy saving technologies in homes and small businesses is the best way to help households and small businesses reduce energy bills, reduce emissions and improve electricity grid reliability.”
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NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe commented, “Our vision is for NSW to be a leader in the energy transition, and this strategy is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for residents and small businesses to benefit from the energy transition, creating a more sustainable and affordable energy future for all.”
