South Australians are missing out on a key cost of living boost as the Malinauskas Government doggedly refuses to provide subsidies for home solar batteries.
The State Opposition is strengthening calls for the Malinauskas Government to reinstate the Liberal’s Home Battery Rebate Scheme, that would save South Australians thousands and slash power bills.
Opposition Leader, Vincent Tarzia, said most other states already have an existing scheme, which homeowners can use in conjunction with the Federal Government’s 30% subsidy.
“In South Australia, we should be leading the nation in renewable energy, but instead, we are only one of two states without incentives for homeowners to purchase solar batteries,” Mr Tarzia said.
“Not only will our policy save households thousands in up-front costs, but it will also help push down peak demand with fewer homes needing to be on the grid at one time, driving down prices for everyone.
“I call on Peter Malinauskas to immediately provide real incentives for home batteries to be installed, because we know it will make a real difference for every day South Australians.”
Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero, Stephen Patterson, said the Liberal Opposition’s home battery subsidy policy will be $500 per kWhr capacity of the home battery, capped at a maximum of $5,000 per system, or $6,000 for concession holders.
“When Tom Koutsantonis scrapped our policy he said, ‘I’m glad we’re killing it’ and promised his Government would bring down power prices with their fantasy hydrogen plan.
“But the proof is in the pudding and three years later, under Labor, South Australians are struggling with record high power bills and the only energy policy Labor took to the election has been revealed as a hydrogen hoax.
“It’s outrageous that South Australia is lagging behind the rest of the nation when we should be doing everything we can to help households take control of their energy bills and ease pain on their hip pocket.”
The scheme is supported by members of the solar panel industry, with Adam Solar Managing Director, Adam Karroum, saying it’s a “game changer”.
“I have so many clients who would love to have a battery installed to make the most of their solar panels, but they simply can’t afford it,” Mr Karroum said.
“We've already had a number of inquiries from people wanting to install batteries or increase their storage capacity to make the most of the extra government support.
“For me, it’s a no-brainer to help people with their power bills and make the most of the sunshine!”
