Joint media release: 500 South Australian households to benefit from energy-smart upgrades

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

Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining, Member for West Torrens

The Albanese Government is investing in energy upgrades for 500 South Australian households with a pilot program that will also coordinate power usage to help lower bills and ease pressure on the grid.

Through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Albanese Government is delivering $6.2 million to SA Power Networks to better monitor usage and improve responsiveness of electric appliances in these homes.

The project will help families who participate in the trial save on energy bills through smart electric homes and help shape national standards.

Participating families will be subsidised to install energy upgrades in their homes with appliances to include smart split-system air-conditioners, heat pump hot water, and smart electric vehicle chargers.

These devices will then be run through a home energy management system to optimise usage to reduce costs for customers.

The South Australian Government in partnership with SA Power Networks will lead household engagement and recruitment, as well as providing subsidies for low-income households to participate in the trial.

Electricity retailers including EnergyAustralia and Amber Electric will develop tailored retail offers that households can choose, or they can remain with their existing retailer.

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

“Household energy upgrades can make a huge difference to household bills – we’re thrilled to be investing in South Australia on another project to ease cost of living.

“Managing and coordinating energy use is critical to getting bang for buck in the household and across the grid – this project is about unlocking bill-saving technology for more households."

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister:

“Australians lead the world in rooftop solar, but there’s more opportunities for families to save on their energy bills inside their homes, through upgraded appliances and energy management.

“This trial is another way our government is empowering households, no matter their postcode or income, to take control of their energy use. It adds to the Albanese Government’s $1.7 billion package which supports households through low-interest loans and upgrades to social housing.”

Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis:

“South Australia has long been at the forefront of the renewable energy transition.

“The energy transition offers great opportunities – but also requires careful navigation. Done right, cheap renewable energy will lower prices for households and businesses.

“This initiative will give us a deeper understanding of how consumers can use energy in ways that maximise their savings. That understanding will assist future policy development and inform ways we can continue to expand and promote the benefits of clean and affordable energy.”