From battery rebates to renewable targets, government policy is reshaping Australia's energy landscape. Here's what's currently in play.
Stats updated: 2026-06-21
As of June 2026, the federal government offers a solar panel rebate through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), providing approximately AUD $248 per kilowatt (kW) installed, which translates to around $2,480 off a typical 10kW system. For home batteries, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, expanded to $7.2 billion, offers an upfront discount of approximately AUD $252 per usable kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the first 14 kWh of battery capacity, with a tiered reduction for larger systems from 1 May 2026. This can result in savings of about $3,300 for a standard 13.5kWh home battery system.
The general federal Energy Bill Relief Fund, which provided up to $150 in the first two quarters of the 2025-26 financial year, concluded on 31 December 2025 for most households. However, state-specific relief continues: NSW households can access zero-interest loans up to $15,000 for energy upgrades through the Home Energy Saver Program, with targeted discounts up to $4,000 for eligible low-income households later in 2026. In South Australia, eligible concession card holders can receive up to $291.27 for the 2026-27 financial year and potentially save up to $653 annually on electricity and gas with the SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer through Origin. Western Australian concession card holders are eligible for an Energy Assistance Payment of $326.33 per year for 2025-26.
Australia is targeting 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030, a key part of its commitment to a 62% to 70% reduction in emissions below 2005 levels by 2035. For 2026, the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target requires 33,000,000 MWh of renewable electricity, with a Renewable Power Percentage of 16.67%. This national push encourages the uptake of rooftop solar and home batteries through federal and state incentives, helping consumers reduce their reliance on grid electricity and lower their energy bills.
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Read guide →NSW's Energy Security Corporation commits $100 million to build 650MW of new large-scale batteries across the state, strengthening grid reliability ahead of coal plant retirements by 2029.
VicGrid has formally declared six Renewable Energy Zones across Victoria this month, a critical step towards achieving 95% renewable energy by 2035 and boosting regional investment.
Victorian households face a tighter income cap for solar PV and hot water rebates from July 1, 2026. Apply by June 30 if your income is between $150,000 and $210,000.
Queensland's decision to scrap renewable energy targets and invest AUD$1.6 billion in coal plants creates a significant policy divide, challenging Australia's national energy transition goals in 2026.
Australia's energy regulator has released draft guidelines to force retailers to provide 'better offer' alerts, aiming to cut bill confusion and save households money from 2026.
The AER has finalised Default Market Offer prices for 2026-27, revealing potential savings up to $705 for businesses and introducing a new Solar Sharer Offer for smart meter households from July, providing 3 hours of free daily electricity.
Queensland's $200 million North West Energy Fund opens bids, targeting new generation and storage projects to enhance energy security and affordability by 2030.
Australia's most powerful battery, the Waratah Super Battery in NSW, faces a $90 million payment reduction due to project delays, confirmed by the AER on May 30, 2026.
Millions of Australian households and small businesses will see electricity bill reductions from July 1, 2026, following the AER's final DMO and Victoria's VDO decisions.
Tasmania secures up to AUD$1.5 billion in federal Capacity Investment Scheme funding for the 341 MW Cellars Hill Wind Farm and 200 MW Weasel Plains Solar Farm, aiming to power 160,000 homes and stabilise energy prices by 2030.
Australia's 2026-27 Federal Budget allocates $97.2 million to establish a new Consumer Energy Resources (CER) National Technical Regulator, impacting household solar, batteries, and EVs by setting new standards for grid integration.
Federal government mandates a 20% East Coast gas reservation from July 2027, backed by $35.5M, aiming to stabilise supply and lower bills.
The Victorian Government's 2026 Budget allocates $28 million for hot water system rebates and introduces a 'Midday Power Saver' program. Discover how these initiatives can cut your energy bills.
Gladstone's Boyne Island Aluminium Smelter secures AUD$2 billion in government funding to transition to renewable energy, aiming to unlock AUD$7.5 billion private investment by 2036.
The Federal Budget 2026-27 confirms a phased reduction of the Electric Vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption, impacting EVs over $75,000 from April 2027.
Victoria commits an additional $250 million to accelerate renewable energy zone transmission upgrades, targeting 6GW of new capacity and lower electricity bills by 2035. Learn how this policy impacts you.
New South Wales introduces legislation in May 2026 to accelerate 16 GW of renewable energy and 42 GWh of storage, aiming to replace coal and secure grid reliability.
Western Australia has secured over $5 billion in new renewable energy and battery projects through federal tenders, boosting grid stability and emissions reduction by 2030.
Western Australia is set for a major energy overhaul with a $5 billion investment in 10 new renewable and battery projects, aiming to power 1 million homes by 2030.
Queensland's decision to repeal its renewable energy targets and unveil a new Energy Roadmap has sparked debate. Discover the implications for energy reliability, affordability, and the state's transition in 2026.
Prime Minister Albanese announces a $45 million federal initiative to streamline energy and resources project approvals, aiming for a single-touch process in Australia by 2026. This policy aims to accelerate critical infrastructure development.
New 2024-25 Safeguard Mechanism data shows industrial emissions reductions are 'on track' but reliance on offsets sparks debate ahead of the crucial 2026-27 review.
Australia's Clean Energy Regulator released 2024-25 Safeguard Mechanism data this week, revealing a 2.3% emissions drop and setting the stage for a critical 2026-27 policy review.
The Australian Government has announced a A$693 million cheap loan program for businesses to combat rising fuel costs and accelerate the clean energy transition.
Australia's energy ministers release 18 new consumer energy resource device requirements to improve solar, battery and EV interoperability ahead of regulatory framework
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