ACT claims “highest home battery density” in Australia, as rebate scheme winds up

The ACT government’s Next Generation Energy Storage (Next Gen) program is drawing to a close after reaching its target of installing 5,000 batteries in Canberra homes and businesses.

Launched in 2016, the program was designed to build a battery marketplace in the territory and improve access for Canberrans.

ACT energy minister Shane Rattenbury says it has been successful in meeting this goal, growing the sector from four to 24 battery installers operating locally.

“The Next Gen program was launched at a time when energy storage technology was still in its infancy, so the goal of the program was to stimulate a marketplace where Canberrans could access batteries more easily and more affordably.

“The ACT now [has] one of the highest domestic battery densities not only in Australia but in the world,” he said.

Having reached its target, Rattenbury says the Next Gen program will no longer accept new rebate applications, and all currently approved applications will need to have batteries installed by 31 March 2023 to access the rebate.

“The ACT Government will continue to work with battery installers on any outstanding installations to ensure an appropriate transition following this date,” he said.

Households still keen to install a battery but not able to afford the up-front cost can instead use the Sustainable Household Scheme, which offers zero-interest loans for sustainable home upgrades. Businesses can access rebates through the Business Energy and Water program.

“We encourage people to continue to shop around for energy storage solutions for their homes,” Rattenbury said.

“Increasing energy storage remains a key priority to maintain a stable and reliable electricity system as we continue to electrify our city.”