Leading industry association Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has backed the Northern Territory Government’s investment in household and business batteries, as well as support for apprenticeships, announced in yesterday’s NT budget.

Chief Executive Officer Kate Raymond said Master Electricians Australia welcomed the continuation of the Home and Business Battery Scheme which will encourage consumers to move towards battery storage and cut electricity bills in the long term.

“The best way to cut power bills over the long term for both households and businesses is to encourage more electricity users to take up solar combined with battery power,” Ms Raymond said.

“Households with battery capacity backing up their roof-top solar systems can be largely self-sustaining – taking pressure off the grid by capturing surplus generation when the sun is shining rather than dumping it back into the network, and then drawing on it when the evening peak comes around.

Ms Raymond also said the $109.2 million announced for vocational education will assist electrical apprentices in the NT receive the standard of training they need for the modern workforce.

“Master Electricians has a proud record of advocating for strong levels of training, safety and skills development to ensure apprentices in the electrical industry are best equipped for the modern workforce.

“An investment in apprenticeships is an investment in the future and this measure will provide young Territorians with access to secure, well paid jobs.

“We applaud the Northern Territory Government for measures in this budget that support both the energy transition and the future of the workforce, and we urge other governments to follow suit.”

Kate Raymond is available for media interviews.  
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