The WA Government has vowed to introduce a new residential battery boost scheme aimed at providing financial relief to households across the state.
The proposed $387 million initiative is designed to lower electricity costs, create local jobs, and enhance the state’s energy grid.
As part of the scheme, the WA Government would offer one-off rebates of up to $5000 for Synergy customers and up to $7500 for Horizon Power customers, based on the size of the battery.
Purchased batteries would need to meet Australian and local grid standards, with eligible options including established brands and locally manufactured models.
According to the WA Government, if implemented following the upcoming state election, the scheme would help families purchase residential batteries, ultimately reducing power bills and contributing to the state’s clean energy future.
Premier Roger Cook highlighted the long-term benefits of the initiative.
“Supercharging household batteries will revolutionise our electricity grid, allowing us to ramp up renewable energy, slash power bills and create quality manufacturing jobs for WA’s future,” he said.
The WA Government estimates that the scheme could save families up to $1500 annually on their power bills.
In addition to the rebates, a no-interest loan program is proposed to help low- and medium-income households cover upfront costs. Eligible households could borrow up to $10,000 with up to 10 years to repay the loan.
The WA Government also plans to support local businesses with a $50 million Battery Manufacturing Program, offering grants and low-interest loans to encourage the development of a local battery manufacturing industry.
The initiative has been welcomed by industry leaders, with Clean Energy Council General Manager – Distributed Energy Con Hristodoulidis commending the scheme’s role in supporting energy customers and driving WA’s transition to renewables.
“We commend [the WA Government’s] recognition that behind-the-meter energy storage will play a key role in delivering greater value for energy customers and taxpayers, following the commitment to a statewide residential battery subsidy and loan scheme, in the event they return to government,” Hristodoulidis said.
According to Clean Energy Council analysis, households that install a battery alongside rooftop solar could save $900 or more per year on energy bills, while also lowering network costs for all energy customers by approximately $190 million by 2030.
“This commitment will supercharge Western Australia’s energy transition and go a long way towards supporting Australia’s move to a clean energy future,” Hristodoulidis said.
