A Coalition-led Senate committee has released its final report into residential electrification, recognising the increasing importance of household electrification for Australians.
The committee’s inquiry, chaired by the Coalition’s Andrew Bragg, found electrification has the potential to improve household energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
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The news was welcomed by electrification advocacy organisation Rewiring Australia, whose research formed part of the report.
“This report is exciting because it suggests the Coalition understands the potential of electrification in helping households trying to weather the cost-of-living crisis,” Rewiring Australia CEO Francis Vierboom said.
The report recommends federal and state governments work together to promote and coordinate the uptake of electrification in a way that supports the grid and to invest in technologies that use batteries.
The report also recommends ensuring there are community solar and battery assets that ensure savings and benefits are also passed onto renters or people living in apartments.
“These recommendations make sense, and Rewiring Australia has been campaigning for action like this for a long time. It’s encouraging to see the evidence for a long-term approach to power bills continue to stack up, especially from this inquiry,” Vierboom said.
The report also flags some of the challenges with electrification, including the barriers to entry because of the upfront costs.
But research from Rewiring Australia shows the average Australian household could save thousands by upgrading to electric systems and appliances, and switching to an electric vehicle.
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“We are pleased to see our research and policy asks for flexible loans to help people with upfront costs mentioned in this report. We know what needs to be done, and we know many will need help with making the switch. But the long-term savings are hard to dispute,” Vierboom said.
“We hope this report signals a willingness from the Coalition to consider electrification policies, in order to help all Australians get on top of energy costs.”
