The Territory Labor Government continues to help Territorians save money on their power bills by investing $6.1 million into providing access to cheaper renewable energy in major centres and remote communities.

In Budget 2024 we are investing $3 million to continue the Home and Business Battery Scheme (HBBS) and another $3.1 million to continue the Remote Power System Strategy rollout.

More than 2200 Territory homes and businesses have used the grant, currently to a maximum of $5000, to install a battery to store the energy generated by roof top solar since 2020.

The installation of a battery to store solar generated power can save a home $900 a year off their power bill. The batteries also improve the security and reliability of the electricity system by helping to smooth out demand from the grid.

The Northern Territory has the highest take up of solar battery storage in the country thanks to the Territory Labor Government’s HBBS.

Data from the Clean Energy Regulator shows the Territory has led the nation in battery installations since 2021. The NT has the highest proportion of solar PV systems installed with a battery at over 30%, compared to the national average of 6%.

The success of the Home and Business Battery Scheme has had a positive effect on the Territory’s renewable energy industry with $57 million of works contributed to the Territory economy.

The Remote Power System Strategy is in the planning stage and community engagement is advancing to deliver an average of 70% renewable energy to 72 remote communities provided with electricity through the Indigenous Essential Services program.

Consultation with Land Councils, regional Government Councils and peak Aboriginal organisations is ongoing.

The outcomes of consultation will inform the renewables rollout model and the plans for on-country community engagement throughout program development and delivery.

The RPSS will deliver significant benefits for the Territory and remote Aboriginal communities, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and noise from diesel-powered generators.

It will ensure improved electricity supply reliability and employment, contracting and operational opportunities for community-based Aboriginal organisations, businesses and corporations.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Renewables and Energy Kate Worden:

“The Territory Labor Government is always working to keep the power bills of households and business lower, and the Home Business and Battery Scheme is one way we are doing that.

“Installing a battery can save a household $900 off their power bill and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

“The Home and Business Battery Scheme gets Territorians working, with more than 2200 batteries installed since 2020. The scheme has contributed $57 million to our economy.

Source: Northern Territory Government newsroom