The Minns Labor Government recently unveiled its Consumer Energy Strategy: Powering our People and Communities, which it says will make it easier for households and businesses to access energy saving technologies like solar, batteries and energy efficiency upgrades, that will help reduce their energy bills and ease cost of living pressure.

The government says the strategy is designed with people at the centre, committing $290 million in new funding and outlining 50 actions to help households and small businesses cut their energy bills to help address cost of living pressures and increase the uptake of energy savings technologies.

“Our vision is for NSW to be a leader in the energy transition, and this strategy is a crucial step towards achieving that goal," NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for residents and small businesses to benefit from the energy transition, creating a more sustainable and affordable energy future for all.

“By prioritising accessibility and equity, we are empowering households and small businesses to upgrade their homes and businesses. This will not only lower energy bills but also benefit our environment.

“The NSW Consumer Energy Strategy is our plan to supercharge the energy transition and put households and small businesses at the centre of this work.”

Premier Chris Minns (left) and Minister Penny Sharpe. Image: supplied.

Last year the NSW Government commissioned the independent Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up.

The Check Up recommended that a NSW Consumer Energy Resources strategy be developed, which was accepted by the NSW Government.

Key actions outlined in the strategy that the NSW Government has committed to implementing include:

• Developing a new incentive and rebate scheme to help households upgrade to energy saving technologies.

This includes a $238.9 million new Home Energy Saver program with financial support targeted towards eligible households. The program will be designed and rolled out by the end of 2025.

• Introducing new home energy ratings from 2025 so renters and buyers have more information about the cost of heating and cooling their potential homes.
• Setting the first targets in Australia for solar and battery uptake, virtual power plant participation (which allows solar panels and batteries to share their capacity across the grid) and installation safety.

This includes a target of 1 million households and small businesses having access to both a rooftop solar and battery system by 2035, rising to nearly 1.5 million by 2050.

• Improving the safety and reliability of installations by increasing the number of electrical safety inspectors.

Providing practical resources and outreach so people can make informed decisions to improve energy efficiency and cut bills. This includes funding community organisations to conduct outreach.

“There are many houses across the state that are too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and as a result, energy prices and costs for the household skyrocket," NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“Through the strategy, we are making it easier for households and small businesses to access the cost saving benefits of solar panels, batteries and heat pumps, while they reduce their emissions.

“Having more energy saving technologies in homes and small businesses is the best way to help households and small businesses reduce energy bills, reduce emissions and improve electricity grid reliability.”

The government says the actions outlined in the strategy will build on the good work that is already underway and will contribute to our vision for the future of energy in NSW, where all households and small businesses can enjoy the energy security, climate, health and cost of living benefits of energy saving technologies, and that the actions have been developed through close consultation with industry and the community.

The Consumer Energy Strategy comes on top of the $435.4 million for annual energy bill rebates and debt relief, $200 million to support the roll-out of public EV charging stations and $175 million to make energy savings upgrades for 24,000 social housing homes.