Parents across the country are celebrating the Federal Government’s landmark battery rebate announcement, calling it the “missing link” in unlocking cheaper power bills, climate security, and energy independence for families and small businesses.
The new policy will deliver a 30 per cent discount off the up-front cost of installing home batteries, saving families up to a further $1,100-2,300 a year, on top of existing solar savings and state-based incentives, from July 1. Batteries allow families to store solar energy and use it at night making this investment a game-changer for the one in three households already generating clean, cheap electricity from their rooftops.
Nic Seton, CEO of Parents for Climate, welcomed the announcement:
“This is a breakthrough moment—parents have been crying out for long-term cost-of-living solutions and policies that support a safer climate. Batteries are the missing link in permanent energy bill relief. This policy commitment means we can use our rooftop solar around the clock, slash bills, and cut pollution at the same time.”
Parents for Climate is now calling on the Federal Coalition to match the Labor Government’s commitment, echoing the unity shown in the Senate’s electrification report. Bipartisan support would provide long-term certainty for families, business and the grid.
“This is the kind of leadership families are looking for—practical, cost-saving, climate-smart,” said Mr Seton. “We urge the Federal Opposition to get behind this win for parents, kids and the country.
“Families in every state and territory have been asking all sides of politics to back household batteries and this shows that community advocacy works. 237 candidates, including from both major parties, have committed to support household solar and batteries."
In the lead up to the federal election, hundreds of Parents for Climate supporters have rallied to secure battery commitments from candidates of all political stripes, with 237 signing a public pledge to support solar and battery access for every Australian household.
The Senate inquiry into home electrification also demonstrated the potential for cross-party support to lower household energy bills, reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuels, and boost climate resilience.
“We commend the Albanese Government for leading with this common-sense approach to solving rising energy costs for good. Now we call on the Coalition to act on this week’s bi-partisan senate report into household electrification benefits and match this commitment in the best interests of Australian families.” said Seton.
“Before we added a battery, we were only using half of the solar we generated,” says Mamoon Reza, a parent of two from Inner West Sydney, NSW. “Now we barely use the grid—and our bills are frequently generating income from energy we can sell. This new rebate will help thousands more families do the same.”
Anneliese Alexander, a mum from South West Sydney, NSW, says: “We’ve had solar for years, but with growing kids and rising bills, we need that next extra step to keep up with rising energy costs. A battery has always felt out of reach. This policy finally changes that.”