Joint media release: Regional and remote WA households to benefit from cheaper, cleaner energy

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Hon Bill Johnston MLA, Western Australian Minister for Energy

The Albanese and Cook Governments are announcing today, a $19.9 million partnership to unlock bill savings from cheaper, cleaner solar for up to 2000 regional and remote households in Western Australia.

The Albanese Government will help fund the WA Government’s Kimberley Communities Solar Saver program, installing rooftop solar across five remote communities to deliver cheaper, cleaner energy to around 400 families.

This will allow solar to be installed on residential rooftops and distribute the benefits of renewables across the community, reducing reliance on expensive diesel generators.

It’ll also deliver critical savings of around $450 a year on their power bills.

The partnership, which includes $12.6 million from the WA Government and $7.3 million from the Commonwealth, will also provide a funding boost to the Sunshine Saver Program, helping a further 1,600 regional households access cheaper, cleaner energy from centralised solar farms.

Renters and low-income families will be able to subscribe to Horizon Power’s initiative, access the benefits of renewables and realise yearly savings of about $250.

Today’s announcement is part of the Commonwealth’s $100 million Solar Banks commitment to deploy community-scale solar for more than 25,000 Australian households that have difficulty accessing solar – like renters, low-income households and people living in apartments.

The funding will help First Nations communities in the Kimberley region, including Beagle Bay, Djarindjin-Lombadina, Ardyaloon, Bidyadanga and Warmun, and tenants and low-income households in regional West Australian towns.

These savings are in addition to the national Energy Price Relief Rebates, with eligible WA households saving up to $350. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“480,000 WA households are already reaping the benefits of household solar and this program helps more renters, low income households and First Nations Communities share in the cost of living savings from clean energy.

“This new partnership with the WA Government delivers on our election commitment and will see regional and remote Western Australians gain access to cleaner and cheaper energy, saving hundreds on their power bills.”

Quotes attributable to WA Energy Minister Bill Johnston:

“The Cook Government is committed to making the clean energy transition fair for all Western Australians and the Commonwealth Government’s support is instrumental to delivering these programs.

“This partnership will allow regional and remote residents to access the benefits of solar, leading to a more equitable renewable energy future for all Australians.”