The CLP Government is delivering on its commitment to ease cost of living pressures by increasing the Home and Business Battery Scheme bonus from $5,000 to $12,000.
From December 1, 2024, the boost to the scheme will provide Territorians with greater access to renewable energy solutions, lowering energy bills and supporting local businesses involved in the supply and installation of solar PV systems and batteries.
Minister for Renewables, Gerard Maley, said it was part of the CLP Government's commitment to practical outcomes for Territorians.
"As promised, we are more than doubling the battery bonus for Territorians," he said.
"We understand the challenges power prices present, and this increase will provide an accessible entry point for households and businesses looking to make the switch to renewable energy.
"This is about providing practical solutions to ease affordability pressures while also providing greater energy grid stability."
The Home and Business Battery Scheme offers eligible homeowners and businesses access to up to $12,000 for a battery subsidy of $400 per kilowatt-hour of usable system capacity.
"Our government is doubling the funding pool from $3 million to $6 million, giving more Territorians access to solar batteries and inverters," said Mr Maley.
Eligible owners can use the grants to either:
Buy and install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system with an eligible battery and inverter, orBuy and install an eligible battery and inverter, to complement an existing solar PV system.
Batteries allow households and businesses to maximise use of electricity generated from rooftop solar PV systems while contributing to grid stability and reducing power system costs.
"By charging their battery during the day, families and businesses can store energy to use during peak times or when it is cloudy, making it easier to manage costs and run their appliances, including aircons, more efficiently," said Mr Maley.
The grant is available from 1 December 2024 for 12 months, or until the $6 million funding pool is fully subscribed.
The CLP Government is also doubling the peak feed-in-tariff so households and businesses can get 18.66c/kWh between 3pm and 9pm year-round for electricity exported to the grid.
The new rate will come into effect from July 1, 2025.
This is to ensure Power Water Corporation ICT upgrades in early 2025 are complete, and to enable the necessary changes to billing systems to reflect the peak feed-in-tariff.
"Supplementing grid supplies with household and business solar batteries means we can reduce the peak demand on gas-fired generation, increase energy reliability and cut emissions," said Mr Maley.
The higher feed-in-tariff during the peak period of 3pm to 9pm will encourage people with solar and batteries to export more power at these times, easing pressure on the grid.
From 1 July 2025, eligible customers will automatically receive the higher feed-in-tariff from their electricity retailer, potentially saving them an average of $150 per year.
Learn more about the battery scheme grant and feed-in tariff by visiting the Territory Renewable Energy here website, and access the grants via Grants NT here.
