The Federal Government has introduced the National Energy Performance Strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at improving energy efficiency and providing consumers with tools to manage their energy usage more effectively.
The strategy, which covers areas such as the economy, households, communities, businesses, industry, energy systems, and technology and innovation, was unveiled by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, and the Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Jenny McAllister.
“Energy performance is about energy savings and bill savings,” Bowen said.
“We want more Australians to have the choice to save on energy and save on bills, and this strategy, along with our large investments’ energy saving upgrades for households and businesses across the country, does just that.
“Australia has a clear-cut plan to drive action on the demand-side of the energy market to support the economy-wide energy transformation and help put downward pressure on energy bills.”
The multi-faceted approach includes investments in new home energy rating tools, the elevation of minimum standards for new constructions, the refurbishment of social housing, the provision of grants for small businesses and local authorities, and the allocation of $1 billion for low-interest loans to households.
“This strategy is about helping Australian consumers take control of how and when they use energy. It is about making every watt count, to help consumers reduce bills and reach net zero,” McAllister said.
“Whether through improved energy efficiency, demand flexibility, or electrification this strategy helps households and businesses to deliver the cheapest, cleanest, and healthiest outcomes from their energy.”
“Households are partners in our renewable energy transformation. We want solar on rooftops, batteries in garages to work hand in hand with the rest of the energy market.”
According to the Federal Government, the strategy’s flexible demand strategies, which include large-scale demand management and controllable electric vehicle charging and batteries, are projected to yield up to $18 billion in cost savings for consumers by 2040.
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