A Nationals Government will bring the benefits of batteries to community organisations across Victoria and the Ovens Valley.
As a key part of the Nationals’ Power to the People Plan, community organisations will be able to access grants of up to $1 million as part of a $100 million Net Zero Renewables Community Projects Fund to install solar panels, big batteries, and other supporting infrastructure.
Under this commitment, charities, sporting clubs, seniors centres, scout halls and more will be able to access the renewable power infrastructure they need to cut their power bills.
This plan builds on the Nationals comprehensive energy plan, which includes;
- Providing 1 million households with rebates of up to $4,400 – $1,400 for solar panels and $3,000 for a home batteries – with rebates doubled for rental properties.
- Encouraging conventional onshore gas production, including a domestic reservation policy within six months.
- Establishing a $1 billion Victorian Hydrogen Strategy
- Unlocking 1,800 megawatts of renewable energy by upgrading transmission infrastructure in Western Victoria.
- Legislating a 50 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030.
Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, said community batteries were a key part of the Nationals’ plan to deliver cheaper, more reliable, and sustainable power.
“This is all part of our common-sense plan to keep power bills down and the lights on.
“By extending batteries to community organisations, the Nationals will spread the benefits of cheaper energy bills and a more stable network to residents right across the Ovens Valley.
“It helps us reach our renewable energy targets and provides cheaper power to the organisations that have a big impact in the local community.
“Community batteries will be a key part of our future energy system and organisations across the Ovens Valley can be part of the solution.”