Expanded Solar Rebates for Apartments and Grants for Farmers Ahead of Election
With the countdown to the Victorian state election beginning, the incumbent Labor government is unveiling a series of energy policy initiatives, which include rebates for rooftop solar systems, community battery projects, and enhanced energy upgrades.
As Labor struggles in the polls against the Victorian Liberal party, seeking to secure a rare fourth consecutive term amid increasing public debt and rising living costs, the government is making a flurry of announcements before the caretaker period commences.
Boosting Solar Initiatives
On Monday, Jaclyn Symes, the state’s energy minister, revealed an expansion of the Solar for Apartments programme, which now offers rebates of up to £2,800 per apartment and a maximum of £140,000 per building. This funding covers approximately 76 per cent of the installation costs for solar panels.
Developments with up to 150 lots can now benefit from this programme, an increase from the previous limit of 50. Furthermore, the government is removing the existing median property value cap, allowing more buildings throughout the state to join the initiative.
Owners’ corporations will also be permitted to allocate up to 20 per cent of the solar energy generated to communal areas, which will significantly reduce costs for shared facilities.
This announcement comes on the heels of over 150 completed rooftop solar installations through the programme, nearly half of which were on rental properties. As a result, more than 2,800 residents are already enjoying savings on their energy bills, with an additional 17 installations in progress that will benefit another 726 Victorians.
“Solar means lower power bills – apartment residents and renters deserve to share in those savings,” Symes stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to increasing solar access for more Victorians.
Funding for Community Upgrades
Shortly after announcing the extensions to the Solar for Apartments programme, Symes also disclosed millions in new funding aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in community housing and supporting the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
This funding was introduced during the unveiling of an expanded rooftop solar system and a community battery at the Marysville Community Centre, where Symes presented the first six projects set to receive a share of the £10 million Energy Innovation Fund’s third round.
This latest round specifically targets the electrification of food and beverage manufacturing. It includes investments in electric thermal energy storage systems (eTES) across various facilities in Greater Shepparton and a centralised industrial heat pump system at Hazeldene’s poultry processing site in Lockwood.
It is anticipated that these upgrades will collectively save the six businesses involved around £4 million annually on their energy expenses.
“The Liberals and Nationals are misleading the public when they claim they will lower energy bills,” declared Symes. “Labor is the only party that has consistently delivered the lowest electricity prices in the country.”
She further highlighted that any savings manufacturers achieve on energy costs can be reinvested into their businesses, supporting local employment and maintaining the competitiveness of Victorian products.
Community Housing Improvements
In addition, Symes announced an allocation of £9 million for seven energy upgrade projects, aimed at around 730 community housing homes to make them more affordable to run, as well as warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
This initiative is part of the second round of the Community Housing Upgrades Stream and offers grants averaging £18,000 per property. This funding will enable housing providers to implement energy improvements such as heat pumps, draught proofing, induction cooktops, improved insulation, and rooftop solar installations.
Community housing residents are expected to save over £1,000 a year on energy bills as a result of these upgrades, which is crucial for many of the state’s most vulnerable communities.
“Community housing renters deserve comfortable homes that are economical to run – these improvements will help them save more than £1,000 each year,” stated Symes.
“We are replacing outdated, costly appliances with efficient electric alternatives so residents can manage their heating and cooling expenses better.”
Supporting Farmers
Additionally, last week Symes opened applications for the £5 million On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration programme. This initiative aims to provide grants ranging from £200,000 to £750,000 to assist farmers in testing and demonstrating technologies that use less diesel or improve energy efficiency.
