The ACT Government‘s Next Generation Energy Storage (Next Gen) scheme will come to an end after 5,000 batteries were installed in Canberra homes and businesses.
The Next Gen program was launched in 2016 to ignite the ACT’s battery industry and make it easier for Canberrans to install a battery. Over the previous seven years, the program has issued 5,000 rebates, exceeding the goal set at its commencement.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said the State Government is proud to have assisted over 5,000 households and businesses with battery installation.
“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,” Minister Rattenbury stated.
According to Minister Rattenbury, the program has been a huge success, with local businesses increasing from four to over 24 battery installers in the ACT, and the ACT now having one of the highest household battery densities in Australia, if not the globe. The Minister added that he’s proud that Canberra is the capital of climate action and has a vibrant and competitive renewable energy sector.
“Now that we have reached our target, the Next Gen program will no longer accept new rebate applications. All currently approved applications in the Next Gen Program 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,” Minister Rattenbury said.
Households can continue to receive ACT Government assistance through the Sustainable Household Scheme, which provides homeowners with zero-interest loans to make sustainable home improvements, while businesses can receive tailored advice and rebates through the Business Energy and Water program.
“We encourage people to continue to shop around for energy storage solutions for their homes. With the number of installers now operating in the ACT, Canberrans will be able to continue to access the most competitive prices,” Minister Rattenbury said.
Minister Rattenbury added, “Increasing energy storage remains a key priority to maintain a stable and reliable electricity system as we continue to electrify our city. To achieve this goal, in addition to encouraging household batteries, we are also investing in the Big Canberra Battery project which will add an ecosystem of energy storage solutions of different sizes to the ACT’s electricity grid, from large-scale batteries to neighbourhood-scale batteries to help power Canberra homes and businesses.”
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