Solar Launch + Budget
It was a big week last week!
Great news for electrification out of the Federal Budget and we're so grateful to all the wonderful community members who joined our Community Solar Rollout launch on Saturday.
Solar Rollout Launch (c) billielikes
About the Solar Rollout
Our Community Solar Rollout is for all Illawarra locals, not just 2515, and if you're new to solar, have an existing system, live in strata or have a shady roof this may still be relevant to you.
We have researched, vetted and partnered with two trusted solar providers to support community members to join the solar revolution.
These solar partners are generously offering a 10% discount for all participants of the program and are on hand to give you personalised advice so if you've thought about getting solar, now is a good time to start.
Launch Video
Watch the recording of our launch event in May, which features talks from Dr Saul Griffith and Electrify 2515 community members with a pilot update and the Solar Rollout process (54 mins).
The "Electrification" Budget
It was the first time ever that electrification made a federal budget: "Electrification is critical to achieving emissions reductions & lowering energy costs for households & businesses" (Budget 2023-24) - we agree!
Excitingly, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Hon Jenny McAllister, told Dr Saul Griffith that the 2515 community really helped put electrification on the national agenda and showed that Australians are behind this climate-solution concept. Well done everyone for helping build this remarkable electric momentum!
What was announced?
Households and businesses:
$1.6 billion in new spending which will reduce cost of living pressures and cut greenhouse emissions, which includes:
$300 million for electrification and energy performance upgrades for social housing
$1 billion in new funding for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to offer solar, storage and electric upgrade finance for low-income households and small businesses
$310m in tax deductions for small businesses that invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures known as the Small Business Energy Incentive
Electric vehicles:
Australia's first National Electric Vehicle Strategy which includes $7.4 million to support the introduction of a Fuel Efficiency Standard and $5.2 million for a national charging infrastructure mapping tool and research.
The details of the packages are still being designed, but we're so pleased more Australians will be able to access the benefits of electrification and help bring down their power bills and greenhouse gas emissions, which is the greater goal of the Electrify 2515 project.
