Joint media release: Solar savings on the way for up to 5,500 Queensland households

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

The Hon Mick de Brenni, Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs

Thousands of households will benefit from a joint program to deliver community solar and storage for renters, apartment dwellers and vulnerable Queenslanders thanks to a deal between the Albanese and Miles Governments.

Up to 5,500 households in Caloundra and Townsville are set to benefit from the installation of shared solar systems, which could see them save up to $800 a year on their electricity bills.

The Miles Government has already committed $80 million to Local Renewable Energy Zones (LREZ) projects in Townsville and Caloundra, which will allow the benefits of solar to be shared, including with people living in apartments and low-income renters.

By combining shared solar and the LREZ program, households with rooftop solar can transfer the excess energy they generate during the day into local batteries. The energy is then transferred back during the evening when the sun isn’t shining and energy demand peaks.

Boosting renewable energy production in Caloundra and Townsville will improve grid stability in both regions, ensuring reliable energy supply for local communities.

The Miles Government welcomes Minister Bowen’s announcement of an additional $21.2 million to expand the Queensland LREZ projects’ solar capacity by an additional 10.6 MW.

The investment is part of the Albanese Government’s Community Solar Banks program, which is delivering access to shared solar for 25,000 homes across Australia that have found it difficult to access solar in the past.

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

“The Albanese Government is delivering lasting savings to households by helping reduce energy bills through greater access to cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy.

“Queenslanders have some of the country’s best sunshine. The Albanese Government’s Solar Banks program is making sure everyone can enjoy cheap solar power in their homes.

“By partnering with the Queensland Government we’re making it easier for Queenslanders to access the cheapest form of energy and cut power bills.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni MP:

“The new deal with the Australian Government is a welcome opportunity for Queensland to deliver more affordable and reliable power to apartments and homes that would otherwise not have access to solar.

“Queensland is the Sunshine State, so making sure we tap cheap energy from the sun for the benefit of everyone in our community makes perfect sense, and that’s what this partnership will deliver.

“The Solar Banks investment will provide a boost to the work the Miles Government is already doing in Caloundra and Townsville; putting control of energy into the hands of local communities.”