2025-02-23
WA Labor have caved to pressure from the Greens (WA) and the energy sector, finally announcing a rebate and zero interest loan scheme for Western Australians to access home batteries after 8 years in government.
The Greens (WA) first called on WA Labor to introduce such a scheme in the lead up to the 2017 State Election and have been pushing hard for incentives ever since, announcing their own zero interest loan and rebate scheme 'Renewables For All” on 14 January this year.
Comments attributable to WA Greens MLC Dr Brad Pettitt:
“If you ever needed proof that Greens policies are popular and that pressure works on government, this is it!
“Finally, WA Labor has come to the table with a long-overdue policy to incentivise the uptake of home batteries so that Western Australians can take full advantage of their solar systems and of the ample Western Australian sun.
“In the lead up to the 2017 State Election we announced a similar policy which, if introduced back then would have seen households save money and emissions come down. Why are WA Labor always so far behind the 8-ball?
“WA is the last state to offer an incentive program for home batteries and it is disappointing the Cook government has taken so long - 8 years in fact - to put this policy on the table.
“What is even more disappointing is that it won’t come into effect until 1 July 2025. This is a serious flaw that will leave battery installers in a world of pain for the next four months as people hold off until they can take advantage of the rebate.
“Today, we are calling for the Cook government to offer certainty to industry and certainty to the West Australian community by backdating this policy to today, ensuring that no one is impacted and that installers can get on with their job of offering sustainable energy solutions to the community.”
Comments attributable to WA Greens Legislative Council candidate Sophie McNeill:
“Under Labor, Western Australia has not only been the worst when it comes to emissions reductions, but it’s also been national laggard at supporting households to get on with the solutions!
“It’s fantastic that pressure from the Greens have forced WA Labor to finally get with the times and not only offer climate friendly solutions, but incentives that will save households thousands of dollars.
“However, this plan doesn't go far enough and it ignores the one-third of West Australians who rent and who also want to benefit from lower power bills and to do their bit for the planet.
“The Greens will push Labor to adopt our Renewables for Renters initiative which would see a rebate of up to $1,500 to eligible rental providers for the installation of solar panel systems on a rental property.
“We also want to see the adoption of our Solar for Apartments scheme that would see successful applicants receive rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment, or up to $140,000 per building for up to 50 apartments to install solar systems.
“Today’s announcement is proof of the community benefits that can be achieved when Labor listens to The Greens and works with us on solutions.”
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