The
Albanese and Cook Governments are today announcing a $19.9 million partnership to
unlock bill savings from cheaper, cleaner solar for up to 2,000 regional and
remote households in Western Australia.
The Albanese Government will help fund the WA Government's Kimberley
Communities Solar Saver program, installing rooftop solar across five remote
communities to deliver cheaper, cleaner energy to around 400 families.
This
will allow solar to be installed on residential rooftops and distribute the
benefits of renewables across the community, reducing reliance on expensive
diesel generators.
It'll
also deliver critical savings of around $450 a year on their power bills.
The
partnership, which includes $12.6 million from the WA Government and $7.3 million
from the Commonwealth, will also provide a funding boost to the Sunshine Saver
Program, helping a further 1,600 regional households access cheaper, cleaner energy
from centralised solar farms.
Renters
and low-income families will be able to subscribe to Horizon Power's initiative
to access the benefits of renewables and realise yearly savings of about $250.
Today's
announcement is part of the Commonwealth's $100 million Solar Banks commitment
to deploy community-scale solar for more than 25,000 Australian households that
have difficulty accessing solar like renters,
low-income households and people living in apartments.
The
funding will help First Nations communities in the Kimberley region, including Beagle
Bay, Djarindjin-Lombadina, Ardyaloon, Bidyadanga and Warmun, as well as tenants
and low-income households in regional West Australian towns.
These savings are in addition to the national Energy Price Relief Rebates, with
eligible WA households saving up to $350.
Quotes
attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"In
Western Australia, 480,000 households are already reaping the benefits of
household solar and this program helps more renters, low income households and
First Nations communities share in the cost of living savings from clean
energy.
"This new
partnership with the WA Government delivers on our election commitment and will
see regional and remote Western Australians gain access to cleaner and cheaper
energy, saving hundreds on their power bills."
Quotes
attributable to WA Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"The Cook Government
is committed to making the clean energy transition fair for all Western
Australians and the Commonwealth Government's support is instrumental to
delivering these programs.
"This
partnership will allow regional and remote residents to access the benefits of
solar, leading to a more equitable renewable energy future for all Australians."
