Brisbane – May 2, 2024

$2.5 billion could be the gift that keeps on giving for Queensland power bills

The Queensland Government’s $2.5 billion cash splash could be “the gift that keeps on giving” if it were invested in home energy solutions rather than spent all in one go, Master Electricians Australia said today.

Chief Executive Officer Kate Raymond said Master Electricians Australia had previously advocated for a $2.5 billion home energy storage plan that would support 500,000 Queensland households to install batteries.

Ms Raymond said further rebates to help households reduce their energy costs permanently would be a far more valuable investment.

“There’s no doubt that the cost of living is causing a lot of pain right now, but a $2.5 billion investment really could be the gift that keeps on giving for Queensland families looking to reduce their power bills, if it’s invested wisely,” Ms Raymond said.

“Master Electricians Australia has developed a proposal that, for the same cost, would help half a million homes to install solar and battery power, which would help them save money on their power bills not just this year but every year into the future.

“Investing in domestic batteries also makes policy sense for the State Government, as it reduces or defers the need for more investment in our power networks and generation, and maximises the benefit of the local distribution networks that the community has already paid for over the last 100 years.

“Communities with a high level of 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.

“This would lead to lower wholesale power prices, which would benefit all Queensland electricity customers now and into the future.

“We applaud the Government for recognising that the high cost of electricity is hurting households and businesses, but we would like to see a long-term investment that will continue to help beyond the October state election.”

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Kate Raymond is available for interview.

Please phone The SAS Group on (07) 3221 9222 or 0467 792 013.

Media Enquiries

Please contact the SAS Group on 07 3221 9222 or 0467 792 013