With a Federal Election looming, MEA is calling on both major parties to support Independent Federal Member Dr. Helen Haines’ call for an ‘Electrify Everything Loan Scheme’ that would reduce Australian homeowners’ power bills and their carbon footprint.

In addition, MEA calls on all parties to support the announcement by Western Australia’s Labor party to provide substantial rebates and interest-free loans to encourage take-up of home battery systems.

The loan scheme proposed by Dr Haines would be “secured against the property title and repaid voluntarily over the life of the loan or at the sale of the property,” suggested Dr Haines.

The Federal Member for Indi’s announcement mirrors MEA’s calls to allow energy consumers to access zero-interest loans for electrification assets such as small-scale batteries.

MEA CEO Kate Raymond is calling on the Federal Coalition and Labor to adopt the policy.

“MEA has long advocated for this scheme, originally introduced by Rewiring, in recognition that upfront capital costs of Consumer Energy Resources can be a significant barrier to widespread adoption,” says Ms Raymond.

Although the Federal Government’s Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUC) is available, many households already facing financial hardship and existing debt may find additional fixed-term interest loans unfeasible.

To ensure equitable access to energy upgrades, the Federal Government must provide strong financial support for private solar panels, batteries, and bi-directional EV charging, allowing all consumers to benefit from electrification.

MEA believes the Electrify Everything Loan Scheme will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

MEA also welcomes Dr. Haines’ proposal to support small businesses with an annual turnover of up to $50 million by offering a total tax deduction of up to $30,000 for three years for eligible technology and assets that improve energy efficiency.

“We would also like to see improved battery rebate schemes around the country, and we applaud Premier Cook announcing the $5000-per-household rebate and interest-free loans of up to twice that amount to increase the uptake of home battery systems in that State,” Ms Raymond said.

Energy security and clean energy are critical to Australia’s future, and we must act now to assist households make the transition.

Kate Raymond is available for media interviews.
Please contact the SAS Group on 07 3221 9222 or 0467 792 013