Western Australian households with rooftop solar panels are set to benefit from significant savings on home battery systems, following the launch of a new rebate scheme jointly supported by the state and federal governments. The Smart Energy Council has welcomed the announcement, calling it a major step toward energy independence and consumer empowerment.
The initiative allows for the “stacking” of state and federal rebates in the first year, enabling eligible Synergy customers to save up to $5,000 and Horizon Power customers up to $7,500 on the cost of battery installations.
According to Smart Energy Council Chief Executive John Grimes, the move could enable up to 100,000 solar-powered homes in Western Australia to gain greater control over their electricity usage and bills.
“Combining the state and federal rebates will enable tens of thousands of WA households to take back control of their energy bills,” Grimes said.
“This is a great step forward for the smart energy industry and for consumers.”
Grimes added that the federal government’s Cheaper Home Battery Program could provide ongoing support for additional homes beyond the duration of the state-level incentives.
New VPP Framework Praised
The Council also applauded the creation of a contestable Virtual Power Plant (VPP) market as part of the state’s Residential Battery Scheme. This model allows solar battery owners to contribute stored energy back into the grid, helping to stabilize electricity supply and reduce pressure during peak demand periods.
Charlie Caruso, WA General Manager of the Smart Energy Council, said the VPP model shows that Western Australia is committed to modernizing its energy system.
“This is a critical signal to industry that WA is serious about building a flexible, resilient, and consumer-empowered energy system,” Caruso said.
“Enabling customer choice, interoperability, and third-party participation is exactly what’s needed to unlock the full value of consumer energy.”
Support for Energy Transition
Grimes emphasized that expanding home battery use across solar households is essential in transitioning away from fossil fuels and creating long-term energy savings for Australian families.
“The Smart Energy Council’s push for home electrification is helping people slash power bills and reduce dependence on expensive, unreliable fossil fuels,” he said.
“Australia’s shift to renewables is gaining momentum — and it’s households that are driving this transformation.”
He noted that reducing demand on the grid during peak hours through battery storage will not only benefit participating households but also help lower electricity prices for all consumers.
“As Australian homes flick the switch to smart energy, we must ensure the benefits are shared widely,” Grimes added. “There’s more work ahead, but this is a strong and necessary move forward.”
The Smart Energy Council said it will continue advocating for inclusive energy policies and programs that support Australia’s broader renewable energy transition.
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