Media Statements

Joint Statement - Power to the People - Real Solutions for Energy and Emissions

Joint Statement – Power to the People- Real Solutions for Energy and Emissions

Matthew Guy, Leader of the Opposition

Craig Ondarchie, Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change

16 July 2022.

Victorian households and renters will benefit from cheaper energy bills and lower emissions under the Victorian Liberals and Nationals’ new Power to the People Plan.

Under this ambitious plan, one million Victorian households will be supported to install solar and batteries by 2035 with rebates of up to $4,400 for owner occupiers.

“This is all part of our common-sense and practical plan to lower emissions which will keep the lights on and keep energy affordable,” Liberal Leader, Matthew Guy said.

“Lowering climate emissions is a vital thing to do, but it needs to be done in a way which is driven by common-sense and practicality, not ideology.”

Home batteries are a key energy storage device allowing for better use of renewable energy, ensuring Victorians have access to the energy they produce when they need it.

Yet over the past five years, fewer than three per cent of Victorian rooftop solar installations included a battery.

That’s why under a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government, households will be able to access both a rebate of up to $1,400 for solar panels and $3,000 for a home battery.

Furthermore, the Liberals and Nationals’ Power to the People Plan will include;

  • Supporting at least 100,000 rental households with a double rebate to work with landlords to install solar and batteries by 2035 (up to $8,800 in total).
  • Adding solar panels across public infrastructure, leading with government schools and social housing.

Mr Guy said that the plan would mean lower bills, more control and fewer emissions for Victorian households.

“Our plan gives households control over their power bills and will mean a more stable, lower emissions grid for the wider community.”

“By backing up solar with batteries, the Liberals and Nationals will put the power back in households’ hands and make Victoria the heart of renewable energy in Australia.”

Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables, Craig Ondarchie, said the Liberals and Nationals’ plan would give households greater control over their power and help cut energy bills.

“Renewables and batteries work hand-in-hand but currently, too many households are missing out under the current scheme which forces households to choose between solar panels or batteries.”

“Ever increasing power bills are hurting households. Our plan will slash energy costs whilst paving the way for a lower emissions future.”

Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, James Newbury, said this significant commitment would mean a lower emissions future for households, renters and local communities.

“Victorians want to be part of the solution and this plan places households and local communities front and centre.”

“This plan is big step along the path to net-zero emissions for Victoria and helps establish the storage capacity needed as we transform our energy system to renewables in a sensible and practical way.”

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change

Craig Ondarchie, Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables

Matthew Guy, Leader of the Opposition