The plan will also see households and businesses with solar supported to install battery
storage.
With the climate crisis leading to increasing climate disasters around the country including
more intense cyclones and devastating fires and floods, the government should be doing all
it can to reduce emissions.
The Greens say supporting people to electrify their homes is one of the cheapest ways to
reduce emissions and would bring the greatest benefits to households.
Under the Parliamentary Budget Office-costed plan, households and small businesses would
receive financial assistance to disconnect from gas appliances and install electric
alternatives.
Households would be able to access a grant of up to $10,000 and low-interest loan of up to
$20,000 to install eligible technologies such as induction cooktops and heat pumps, while
small businesses would be offered grants of up to $25,000 and low-interest loans of up to
$100,000.
Similar financial assistance would be offered to install battery storage as well, to maximise
the benefits of rooftops solar.
Households would be able to access grants of up to $5,000 and low-interest loans of up to
$10,000 to install household storage technology, while small businesses would be offered
grants of up to $10,000 and low-interest loans of up to $50,000.
Over the forward estimates, helping households and small businesses get off gas would cost
$5.1b, and support for households to install batteries will cost $2b, and support for small
businesses to install batteries will cost $1b.
Gas is as dirty as coal - non-renewable, unsustainable, and damaging to our health and the
environment. Household gas is responsible for 12 per cent of childhood asthma while
costing significantly more than renewable alternatives.
Meanwhile, upfront financial costs are a clear barrier to rooftop solar and storage uptake,
with a 2019 study showing over 35 per cent of people without solar said they didn't have it
because of upfront costs.
The electrification of homes and businesses coupled with future Greens announcements on
support for electric vehicles will turn homes and businesses into powerhouses.
Household electrification with solar and storage also improves energy security through
decentralising energy production and storage and reduces investment needed in the grid as
power is generated right where it is needed.
The announcement builds on $2.2 billion previously secured by the Greens in negotiations
with the government for electrification for renters, apartments and social housing.
With a minority government likely following the upcoming federal election, the Greens say
they're ready to keep Dutton out and get Labor to act on climate and implement more of the
Greens' electrification plan.
As stated by Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:
"In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should have clean, cheap energy. The Greens want
to turn every house into a powerhouse.
"Getting homes off gas reduces pollution and helps bring down energy bills. It's good for your
health and it's good for the environment.
"We will electrify our homes and businesses and energise our country, leading to greater
safety and prosperity.
"This election, there is hope. The Greens are within reach of winning new seats across the
country. With a minority government predicted, the Greens will keep Dutton out and get
Labor to act."
