BATTERY BOOST FOR HAWKESBURY HOUSEHOLDS TO SLASH POWER BILLS

Hawkesbury residents may be eligible for a $2,000 rebate to help purchase and install battery systems, to help slash their power bills by up to 60 per cent under a Shorten Labor Government.

Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP said Labor would provide the means-tested rebate for 100,000 households, as well as low-cost loans for households.

“More and more people are embracing household solar energy,” she said. “They know it saves them money and it’s good for the environment.

“Supporting the installation of more household battery systems is the next big step in helping families lower their energy bills.

“When the sun goes down, or when electricity usage is at its peak, people can draw on their own stored energy, giving them more control over their power bills.

“It will also help lower power prices and improve reliability for everyone by reducing demand on the electricity grid in peak times.

Ms Templeman said that if Labor wins next year’s election the Household Battery Program would begin in 2020, aiming to triple the number of battery systems across Australia.

Households earning less than $180,000 a year would be eligible.

“The Smart Energy Council estimates that new household solar and batteries would allow most homes to save more than 60 per cent off their power bills.

“And our environment is also the winner, because cheaper and cleaner electricity will help Australia achieve 50 per cent of power from renewables by 2030.

“A Labor Government would also invest in a Neighbourhood Renewables Program so that renters and social housing residents ca