Home battery boom cuts power prices
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Australia's home battery subsidy program installed over 500,000 batteries, slashing wholesale power prices roughly in half.
The boom cuts grid costs but raises concerns about installation quality and grid-sharing reluctance.
Background
Australia launched the Cheaper Home Batteries Program in July 2025, offering a 30% discount on residential battery systems connected to solar arrays. The goal was to utilize excess solar energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels during peak evening demand. The program has been so successful that it has more than doubled home battery capacity this year, significantly lowering wholesale electricity prices.
How it unfolded
- Jul 2025Australia launches the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, providing a 30% discount on residential battery systems.
- Jun 2026More than 400,000 batteries are added in the year through June, bringing total installations to roughly 600,000.
- Aug 12, 2026Reports emerge of installation problems and complaints against solar provider Solar Power Nation, prompting calls for increased oversight.
- Aug 14, 2026Officials announce over 500,000 batteries installed under the program, helping to cut wholesale power prices roughly in half.
Who’s saying what
- Officials
- Officials say the battery boom is helping to lower costs for all ratepayers by reducing the need for additional power plants during peak hours.
- Caution
- ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey says there should be a mandatory code of conduct for companies in the program, citing installation complaints.
- Public
- Homeowner Chris Richardson says his battery system lowers his electricity and gas bills, but some owners resist sharing power with the grid.
Still unverified
Adrian Goodfellow's allegations that his system was botched and unsafe are unverified and under investigation.