South Coast residents are leading the charge in embracing renewable energy, with the Gilmore electorate topping NSW for household solar battery installations in just seven weeks.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips says the region’s experience with extreme weather events has motivated locals to embrace the Commonwealth Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which was rolled out 1 July 2025.

“People living on the South Coast have been through fire, drought and floods,” she said.

“They have seen the devastating impacts of climate change and understand we need to take steps towards replacing coal-powered electricity with renewable sources like solar and wind.”

The impressive uptake has placed Gilmore seventh nationally for battery installations with more than 33,000 cheaper home battery installations across the country since the program began.

Under the scheme, households, small businesses and community organisations with existing rooftop solar can save 30 per cent on a battery. People with existing solar can save up to $1,100 annually on power bills, while households installing both solar panels and batteries at the same time can save around $2300 a year.

“As well as reducing power bills for households that install a battery, it will put downward pressure on bills for their neighbours too because, when you reduce peak demand, it creates a more stable electricity grid,” said Phillips.

“Helping people with cost-of-living is our top priority and this is another way we are helping local people keep more in their hip pocket.”

The program’s success has helped to support small businesses and boost local employment through an increased demand for solar installation.

“The uptake has been great for local solar panel and battery installers, many of whom employ apprentices, so it’s fantastic for jobs on the South Coast,” she said.

For residents concerned about accessibility, particularly renters, there are several solutions rolled out through the program. The Community Batteries for Household Solar program will install 400 batteries to provide shared storage for households to use during peak times, providing access to renewable energy.

“The Australian Government is investing $100 million into Community Solar Banks which will provide shared solar systems and help to lower electricity costs for people that rent, live in apartments or can’t afford their own system,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Owners’ corporations and strata managers can apply for funding to install solar systems on apartments and other multi-unit dwellings, which means more people can take advantage of cleaner, cheaper solar to bust bills for good.”

NSW is world-leading when it comes to rooftop solar generation and Gilmore alone boasts almost 35,000 solar panel installations, the addition of storage batteries puts the region on track to reaching the full potential of solar renewable energy.

Phillips encourages local residents considering the program to seek advice from installers about systems that best suit their households needs.

“This is a game changer for local families and an opportunity to take control of their own power bill while reducing reliance on the grid and helping to drive down prices for everyone,” she said.

“With the savings they make on their bills, people will be able to pay down the cost of their battery faster.”