Big news for Aussie homeowners—solar electrification is about to get serious. The federal government is gearing up to fund projects across the country to help households ditch expensive gas bills and embrace cheaper, cleaner energy.
Back in 2018, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) invested more than $5.4 million in helping NSW households ‘switch on’ with electrification and energy smart improvements as part of the renewable energy pilot program showcase dubbed Electrify 2515.
Now six years later, that pilot has been declared a resounding success, having helped over 500 households in the region switch to solar, upgrade appliances, and install batteries – and saving Aussie homeowners well over $1,500 a year on energy bills.
But Energy Minister Chris Bowen isn’t looking to stop there. Given the popularity of the project, he hopes to replicate that same solar switch success on a state level with his renewed mission to bring affordable electrification upgrades to homes across Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and ACT.
While no details have been released to the press, this new initiative looks to be more of the same – namely offering financial incentives to help Aussies replace outdated gas system with solar-powered solutions, upgrading appliances and installing rooftop panels to create cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient homes.
Why make the switch?
Let’s face it—gas isn’t just a big polluter, but a big drain on the wallet. On average, Aussie families are spending $1,600 a year on gas bills – much-needed money that could be saved or spent elsewhere, like family holidays or home improvements.
“Burning gas is bad for the climate and it’s bad for the hip pocket,” said Annika Reynolds from the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF).
“Solar electrification can help address cost of living pressures for households and reduce climate pollution as the electricity grid moves away from a reliance on fossil fuels.”
They explained that moving away from gas-powered appliances can cut costs and reduce climate pollution, especially as our electricity grid moves toward renewable energy.
Plus, if you’re renting or part of a remote community, this plan is designed to help you too, with project funding supposedly geared toward making clean energy upgrades accessible for all Aussies.
The numbers speak for themselves
Here’s the kicker: fully electrifying your home—think solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and batteries—could save you up to $5,400 a year according to electrification group Rewiring Australia.
Household gas use might seem small, but it adds up. It’s responsible for about 10 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year in Australia. Add in gas production, and you’re looking at more than 60 million tonnes of pollution annually.
And let’s not forget those energy bills. Since 2009, gas prices have soared at three times the rate of inflation, seeing families going from forking out around $600-$900 per year to over $1,200-$1,800 per year.
Families are loving the change
Parents are especially excited about this shift. Nic Seton, CEO of Parents for Climate, said that energy-efficient upgrades could mean big savings for families already dealing with sky-high bills.
“Our research with Climate Council found that an overwhelming 84 per cent of Australian parents either have or want these cost-saving energy solutions in their homes, but upfront cost was the number one obstacle getting in the way,” said Seton.
“This announcement could help unlock thousands in savings for millions of Aussie families who have seen their energy bills reach new heights. It also demonstrates a clear case for investment and an understanding in government that more is needed to support families struggling with rising energy costs.”
And it’s not just about money—it’s about safety too. With extreme heatwaves becoming more common, Seton warned that efficient cooling systems powered by clean energy would be key to keeping kids and elderly family members safe.
“While most of the mainland is suffering through extreme heat – conditions that put kids and the elderly at heightened risk – it’s clear that investment in efficient and affordable home energy is long overdue,” he added.
“Heat is the most deadly form of extreme weather with the majority of deaths occurring in or near the homes. We will face increasing temperatures for longer periods, so cooling and efficiency, powered by clean energy, will be key to keeping all families safe in their own homes.”
Greg Bourne from the Climate Council said Australia that despite already leading the world in rooftop solar, with over 4 million homes fitted with panels, there was much more that needed to be done.
“With more households and businesses backed up by batteries, we can double our rooftop solar capacity by 2030. It’s one of the fastest ways to cut our use of polluting coal and gas,” he said.
Nothing is set in stone yet ARENA funding allocations are still up in the air. But with the overall success of the previous electrification pilot programs and the nations Net Zero targets fast approaching, it’s a safe bet that more rebates for cost-cutting energy upgrades will be hitting Aussie communities in the coming months.
