Ministers statements: renewable energy
Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (14:34): I am pleased to update the house on how we are delivering on our world-leading renewables targets, which are slashing energy bills for Victorians and our emissions and creating 59,000 new jobs for Victorians. Through our Solar Homes program more than 350,000 rebates have so far been approved for rooftop solar PV, for hot water and for batteries, which are saving Victorian households more than $1000 a year on their energy bills. Our nation-leading Victorian energy upgrades program is delivering real savings to more than 500,000 households and businesses through discounted products in 2022 alone, with savings of between $110 and $3700 a year, plus all Victorians are benefiting because of the resulting lower network and wholesale prices. Our Victorian default offers, the first in the country, continue to provide the cheapest default offer in the country. The reason is clear: it is because of our massive investment in renewables – the cheapest energy you can build, and more is to come. We are now legislating new renewables targets – 65 per cent by 2030, 95 per cent by 2035 – and the SEC will help accelerate that build.
We know that the best way to slash household energy bills is through electrification and getting out of expensive fossil gas. Today a new all-electric home costs no more to build and, even better, from day one when you move in, it can save you at least $1000 – or $2200 if you have got solar panels – off your bills every year. If you electrify your existing home, you will save 30 per cent – or 60 per cent if you have got solar – off your annual bills every year. Those opposite voted for nuclear – higher bills. They voted for fracking – higher bills. They voted to sell off the SEC – higher bills. That is not our way, and we will continue to deliver for Victorians.