The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Lisa Chesters MP, Member for Bendigo
The Albanese Labor Government's Cheaper Home Batteries program has sparked a battery boom in Bendigo, with the area installing batteries at six times the rate of Melbourne, with community facilities like libraries and households also getting a leg up to go green and cut their bills.
1,071 Bendigo residents have taken up the offer of around 30 per cent off a home battery, allowing them to take control of their energy use and cut their bills for good.
Stored rooftop solar via batteries is good for the grid, playing an increasingly important role in helping households store more of their own cheap, clean solar energy for use at night and during periods of high demand - crucial during heatwaves to power ACs while keeping the grid stable.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said 42 per cent of the more than 235,000 Cheaper Homer Batteries have been installed in regional homes, because communities get that what's good for the planet is good for their pocket.
"Bendigo knows that batteries in their homes means more cheaper, cleaner energy in their homes, night or day when and where they need it."
Additionally, the Albanese Government is helping councils and community facilities cut their bills through energy efficiency upgrades with $1.4m going to projects in the region.
The Bendigo Library's $1.2 million electrification project will reduce carbon emissions as part of the city's climate goals and be the first major public building in Bendigo to transition to fully electric heating and cooling systems.
While $248,000 in funding for the Mount Alexander Shire Council to electrify the Castlemaine Town Hall will see it lower energy bills and make the town hall more comfortable year-round.
"From powering story time at the library, to bedtime stories at home, our investment in renewable energy is delivering cheaper, cleaner energy for everyone in Bendigo," said Minister Bowen.
Lisa Chesters MP, Member for Bendigo said that households across the Bendigo Electorate were already leading the way with rooftop solar.
"Cheaper Home Batteries are now helping store their power, cut their bills for good, and take control of their energy use."
"Every local household or small business that installs roof top solar and batteries are also helping to take pressure off the grid."
