Thursday, 20 June 2024

Ministers statements: renewable energy

Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (14:27): I am pleased to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is ensuring that Victorians in every part of the state can access cheap, reliable and safe renewable energy. Our $1.3 billion Solar Homes program has installed almost 350,000 solar panels, energy-efficient electric hot-water systems and batteries in Victorian homes, slashing their power bills. The member for Kalkallo will be excited to know that in the Craigieburn community they have got well over 5000 homes that are benefiting right now from cheaper power bills. The member for Tarneit, in his absence, will be absolutely thrilled to learn that his community has embraced our solar rebates, with almost 7000 households installing systems.

Our hot-water rebates are flying out the door, replacing expensive gas hot water with cheap-to-run, energy-efficient electric systems. The member for Box Hill and I visited a wonderful woman called Norma in Blackburn just last month, and she got a rebate and installed a heat pump. She has slashed her bills and has not looked back since. The Treasurer’s community is seeing many of these rebates all over the electorate, Werribee topping the total, with over 440 hot-water rebates approved.

To soak up all of this cheap, renewable and safe solar power we are installing 100 neighbourhood batteries right across the state, with the latest round putting batteries in Bass, Bellarine, Bayswater and Thomastown, and certainly Northcote have already enjoyed a couple of wonderful batteries in their community. The SEC’s first project is well and truly underway with one of the biggest batteries in the world, right in the member for Sydenham’s electorate. I am very pleased that that is coming there. We are getting on with delivering cheap, reliable and safe renewable energy, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, who still refuses to rule out nuclear and higher power bills.