DEMAND for the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries program is through the roof, with more than 900 batteries installed in homes, businesses and community groups in Blair since July 1.
The Cheaper Home Batteries program supports households, businesses and communities with an average 30 perccent discount on batteries to store their solar power and use it when it is needed most, cutting peak bills and easing pressure on the grid.
Across the country, 100,000 batteries have now been installed in homes, businesses and community groups since the scheme opened in July.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said his electorate had one of the highest rates of take-up in Queensland and it showed that locals were embracing solar home batteries and renewable energy because it was good for their hip pocket.
“Locals know that batteries mean cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy,” Mr Neumann said.
“In nearly four months, 910 batteries have been installed. That’s hundreds of households, small businesses and community groups taking control of their energy bills.”
Mr Neumann said the Cheaper Home Batteries program was turbocharging demand for solar batteries in the suburbs of Ipswich and Karana Downs, and in the country towns of the Somerset Region, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim.
“This is another clear sign that Australians want real action on climate change, and they want the benefits of renewable energy flowing to them and their communities,” he said.
“This means more cheap, fast, safe solar energy available in peoples’ homes night and day. It means cheaper energy bills, not just for homes with batteries, but the entire grid as batteries take pressure off during peak times, lowering bills for everyone.
“And it means unlocking the full potential of our solar nation, tapping into the cheapest form of energy available.”
In the electorate of Wright, which takes in the Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim, and centres like Gatton, Laidley and Boonah, demand was even higher with 1506 batteries installed, the highest in Queensland and third highest in the country.
Mr Neumann said the Cheaper Home Batteries program was part of the Government’s plan to create a fairer, cleaner and more reliable energy system for all Australians.
“This is saving households with existing rooftop solar up to $1100 off their power bill every year, and those installing a new solar and battery system could save up to $2300 a year, which is up to 90 per cent of a typical family electricity bill,” he said. “And with those savings on bills people will be able to pay down the cost of their battery faster.”
