{ "_comment": "News by MG — canonical stream. DISCOVERY: the daily news-watch (.github/news-watch-prompt.md) crawls data/news-sources.json feeds + web searches to FIND new AU energy changes across all states and appends them here; the weekly rebate-watch re-verifies the dollar figures in rebates.json. Add MG/Industry items by hand then run `node reports/sync-news.mjs` (regenerates news.html between NEWS-STATIC markers + news.xml RSS feed). Schema per item: id (stable kebab slug → permalink + dedupe), date (\"1 May 2026\" | \"May 2026\" | \"2026\"), region (Federal|VIC|NSW|QLD|SA|WA|TAS|ACT|NT|MG — `tag` accepted as legacy alias), type (rebate|price|policy|technical|mission-green), impact (good|heads-up|act-now|neutral — drives card accent + deadline treatment), title (short headline), text (detail sentence), source (human-readable attribution), sourceUrl (canonical link; internal links MUST be extensionless e.g. /jouli not /jouli.html), action ({label, href} optional internal CTA), deadline (ISO date, optional — only on act-now items). Top-level also: `lastChecked` (ISO datetime — restamp every engine run), `corrections` (array of {date:'YYYY-MM-DD', note, source} — APPEND an entry whenever a previously-published figure is corrected; powers the on-page correction log + trust heartbeat. Keep both; never drop them on regenerate).", "verified": "29 July 2026", "lastChecked": "2026-07-29T01:45:00+10:00", "corrections": [ { "date": "2026-07-21", "title": "NT battery scheme shown as open", "note": "Corrected “NT Battery Scheme funding still available” — the Home & Business Battery Scheme has reached its $6m allocation and is closed to new grants. The item now reflects the closure.", "source": "NT Government (Grants NT)", "item": "nt-battery-scheme" }, { "date": "2026-07-21", "title": "WA battery rules were unsourced", "note": "Sharpened “New WA battery technical requirements”, which was published as a vague claim with no source link. Verified against Energy Policy WA: from 1 May 2026 new and upgraded SWIS systems must meet AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 (Australia Region B), may use inverters up to 30 kVA on a standard connection, and must support remote disconnection or accept a 1.5 kW export limit.", "source": "Energy Policy WA", "item": "wa-battery-tech-reqs-may2026" }, { "date": "2026-07-22", "title": "NSW VPP dollar figure", "note": "Removed the “up to $1,500” figure from the NSW VPP incentive item. The current NSW program page no longer publishes any dollar amount — the figure came from a June 2025 ministerial release — so we now state what the live page states, including that batteries up to 50 kWh are eligible from 1 July 2026.", "source": "NSW Climate and Energy Action", "item": "nsw-pdrs-vpp-required" }, { "date": "2026-07-22", "title": "QLD Battery Booster closure year", "note": "Removed “ended in 2024” from the Queensland Battery Booster item. No official page we could open states a closure year, and the program page now returns a 404, so we no longer publish the date.", "source": "Queensland Government", "item": "qld-battery-booster-ended" }, { "date": "2026-07-22", "title": "TAS loan closure reason", "note": "Removed “(funding exhausted)” and the 1 September 2025 date from the Tasmanian Energy Saver Loan item. We could not verify either on an official page, and the available evidence points to a scheduled closure rather than exhausted funding.", "source": "ReCFIT (Tasmanian Government)", "item": "tas-energy-saver-loan" }, { "date": "2026-07-22", "title": "TAS loan closing date restored", "note": "Restored the 1 September 2025 closing date to the Tasmanian Energy Saver Loan item, now with a source link — the ReCFIT page was unreachable during our earlier check and readable on a retry. The “funding exhausted” reason remains unpublished: we still have not verified it.", "source": "ReCFIT (Tasmanian Government)", "item": "tas-energy-saver-loan" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "TAS loan closure reason — retracted", "note": "Retracted our own correction of 22 July. We had removed “funding exhausted” as the reason the Tasmanian Energy Saver Loan closed, saying we could not verify it. ReCFIT states it plainly — “the popularity of the scheme has been such that all the available funding has now been exhausted” — on a page our crawler could not read because the site blocks automated access. The reason is restored, with the figures ReCFIT gives: $62 million across 7,500 loans. We treated an unreadable page as an unsupported claim, which was wrong.", "source": "ReCFIT (Tasmanian Government)", "item": "tas-energy-saver-loan" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "NSW VPP figure left in the rebate data", "note": "Removed “Up to $1,500” from the NSW VPP incentive in the rebate dataset. We corrected this in the news feed on 22 July but left it in the data layer that renders the figure on every NSW page and feeds the Jouli assistant, so the wrong number stayed in front of readers for another week. No NSW program page publishes a dollar amount; the figure survives only in a June 2025 ministerial release that predates the 1 July 2026 rule change.", "source": "NSW Climate and Energy Action", "item": "nsw-pdrs-vpp-required" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "WA combined battery figure", "note": "Corrected the combined WA battery figure in the rebate dataset from “~$5,000+” to roughly $3,900–$4,000 for Synergy customers and about $6,300 for Horizon Power on a typical 10 kWh battery. The pages had been fixed on 22 July but the dataset had not, and the dataset overwrites the pages at load.", "source": "Energy Policy WA / Clean Energy Regulator", "item": "wa-residential-battery-scheme" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "WA battery eligibility range", "note": "Corrected the WA Residential Battery Scheme eligibility from “for batteries with 5–10 kWh usable capacity”, which wrongly implied larger batteries are excluded. Energy Policy WA states the minimum is 5 kWh and that a battery larger than 10 kWh is still eligible for the full $1,300 or $3,800 — the 10 kWh figure caps the rebate, not eligibility. The VPP commitment is also two years, which we had not stated.", "source": "Energy Policy WA", "item": "wa-residential-battery-scheme" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "TAS feed-in prior-year rate", "note": "Corrected the Tasmanian feed-in tariff comparison. We published the 2026-27 rate of 9.276c/kWh as being “up from 8.935c”. 8.935c was the 2024-25 rate; the 2025-26 rate was 8.782c, so the rise is 5.6%.", "source": "Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator", "item": "tas-fit-2026-27" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "Solar STC dollar ranges", "note": "Replaced our small-scale technology certificate dollar ranges, which were wrong and internally inconsistent — Queensland showed “$2k–$3k, up to ~$4k for 10kW+” and South Australia “$1.7k–$3.5k” for the same federal scheme. Certificates vary by postcode zone, not by state, and Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Perth are all zone 3. A 6.6kW system there earns 45 certificates, which at the $33–$38 the Clean Energy Regulator reports is about $1,500–$1,700. The “up to ~$4k for 10kW+” claim overstated the discount by roughly half.", "source": "Clean Energy Regulator" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "QLD south-east feed-in range", "note": "Removed “typically 3–10c” for south-east Queensland feed-in tariffs. No Queensland government or QCA page publishes a typical range; the state says only that there is no mandated rate and that customers should compare offers. The range came from commercial comparison sites, not an official source.", "source": "Queensland Government / Queensland Competition Authority", "item": "qld-regional-fit-2026-27" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "SA VPP discount and eligibility", "note": "Updated the South Australian VPP entry from “~25% below the default offer” to 26%, the current published figure, and widened eligibility to include community housing tenants alongside SA Housing Trust tenants. We also dropped a line about homeowners joining a private VPP that was our commentary, not something the department states.", "source": "SA Department for Energy and Mining" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "ACT loan scheme terms", "note": "Qualified the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme entry. We described “fixed 3% loans (no fees)”; the ACT publishes a 3% rate but never calls it fixed, and a late-payment fee can apply. We also added the $15,000 cap that still applies to earlier participants — the $20,000 maximum is for new applicants only.", "source": "ACT Government", "item": "act-shs-cap-solar-change-jul2026" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "VIC solar rebate 50% limit", "note": "Added the 50% limit to the Victorian solar PV rebate, which we had published as “up to $1,400” without it. Solar Victoria pays 50% of the system cost to a $1,400 maximum, calculated after STCs, so a cheaper system returns well under $1,400. The $3 million property value cap was also missing.", "source": "Solar Victoria", "item": "vic-pv-rebate-1400" }, { "date": "2026-07-29", "title": "Federal battery program citation", "note": "Repointed the Cheaper Home Batteries Program citation in all eight states from energy.gov.au to the DCCEEW program page. The energy.gov.au page still describes the scheme as it stood on 1 July 2025 and does not mention the tiered STC factor that took effect on 1 May 2026.", "source": "DCCEEW", "item": "chbp-launch-jul2025" } ], "items": [ { "id": "vic-veu-ceiling-insulation-2026", "date": "1 October 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "New VEU ceiling-insulation rebate for VIC homes", "text": "Victorian Energy Upgrades now covers ceiling insulation as a point-of-sale discount (via VEECs). Live for public and community housing now; opens to all eligible Victorian homes from 1 October 2026.", "source": "Essential Services Commission", "sourceUrl": "https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/activities-offered-under-veu-program/ceiling-insulation-activity", "action": { "label": "Electrify your home", "href": "/electrify" }, "meaning": "If your ceilings are poorly insulated, this is usually better value than any generation upgrade — insulate first, then size solar or a battery to the smaller load.", "affects": [ "bills" ] }, { "id": "chbp-tiered-stc-may2026", "date": "1 May 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "policy", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "CHBP tiered STC factor takes effect", "text": "Cheaper Home Batteries Program now applies a tiered discount — 100% of the STC value on the first 0–14 kWh, 60% on 14–28 kWh and 15% on 28–50 kWh.", "source": "Clean Energy Regulator", "action": { "label": "See battery rebates", "href": "/programs#rebates-by-state" }, "meaning": "The discount now shrinks as the battery gets bigger, so an oversized battery costs proportionally more. It isn't a deadline — the rate steps down gradually, so size for your actual usage, not the rebate.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "sourceUrl": "https://cer.gov.au/batteries", "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "vic-pv-rebate-1400", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "VIC $1,400 solar PV rebate + matching loan open", "text": "Solar Victoria's $1,400 PV rebate plus an interest-free matching loan remain available, released in monthly intakes.", "source": "Solar Victoria", "action": { "label": "Check VIC rebates", "href": "/victorian-solar-rebates-2026" }, "meaning": "Worth claiming if you're installing solar in Victoria anyway. Released in monthly batches, so an intake can run out before month end — that's a queue, not a reason to rush a decision.", "affects": [ "solar" ], "sourceUrl": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-panel-rebate", "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "vic-solar-homes-battery-loan-closed", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "policy", "impact": "neutral", "title": "VIC Solar Homes battery loan stays closed", "text": "The old Solar Homes battery loan remains closed; the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is now the active battery support in Victoria.", "source": "Solar Victoria", "action": { "label": "Battery options", "href": "/storage" }, "meaning": "If you were waiting on the old Victorian battery loan, stop waiting — the federal program is the active support now.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "sourceUrl": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-battery-loan", "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "nsw-pdrs-cert-update-apr2026", "date": "1 Jul 2025", "region": "NSW", "type": "policy", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "NSW battery install incentive retired", "text": "NSW's standalone upfront battery-install incentive was retired on 1 July 2025; the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program now applies, and the NSW VPP incentive (up to $1,500) continues.", "source": "NSW Climate & Energy Action", "action": { "label": "NSW battery rebates", "href": "/battery-storage-nsw" }, "sourceUrl": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/household-energy-saving-upgrades/install-battery", "meaning": "If a quote still shows the old NSW battery discount, it's out of date. Ask for it to be re-priced against what's actually available today.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "nsw-pdrs-vpp-required", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "NSW", "type": "technical", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "NSW VPP incentive needs a VPP-capable battery", "text": "The NSW incentive for connecting a home battery to a virtual power plant requires a VPP-capable battery and enrolment with a participating provider. From 1 July 2026 batteries with capacity up to 50 kWh are eligible. The amount varies with battery size and the current program page no longer publishes a fixed figure — ask your provider what applies to your system.", "source": "NSW Climate and Energy Action", "action": { "label": "NSW battery rebates", "href": "/battery-storage-nsw" }, "meaning": "Don't let a quote pin a specific dollar figure on this — confirm the amount with the VPP provider in writing before you sign, and check your battery is on their compatible list.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "sourceUrl": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/household-energy-saving-upgrades/virtual-power-plant-vpp-incentive", "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "qld-fast-payback", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "QLD", "type": "price", "impact": "good", "title": "QLD payback among Australia's fastest", "text": "High peak-sun hours and rising electricity tariffs make Queensland solar-and-battery payback among the fastest in the country.", "source": "Mission Green analysis", "action": { "label": "QLD systems", "href": "/queensland" }, "meaning": "Good sun and solid tariffs help, but your own daytime usage still decides the outcome — a mostly empty house won't hit the fast end of that range.", "affects": [ "solar", "bills" ] }, { "id": "qld-battery-booster-ended", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "QLD", "type": "policy", "impact": "neutral", "title": "QLD Battery Booster ended — CHBP is active", "text": "Queensland's state Battery Booster program has closed and its program page is no longer published; the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is the active battery support in Queensland.", "source": "Queensland Government", "action": { "label": "QLD systems", "href": "/queensland" }, "meaning": "Nothing to apply for at state level in Queensland. If a seller cites Battery Booster, they're working from stale information.", "affects": [ "battery" ] }, { "id": "sa-high-tariff-payback", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "SA", "type": "price", "impact": "good", "title": "SA's high tariffs make battery payback exceptional", "text": "South Australia has Australia's highest residential electricity tariffs, which makes home-battery payback exceptional.", "source": "Mission Green analysis", "action": { "label": "SA systems", "href": "/south-australia" }, "meaning": "High grid prices are what make storage stack up in SA — the saving comes from avoiding expensive imports, so it depends on how much power you use in the evening.", "affects": [ "battery", "bills" ] }, { "id": "sa-home-battery-scheme-closed", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "SA", "type": "policy", "impact": "neutral", "title": "SA Home Battery Scheme closed — CHBP + VPP now", "text": "SA's Home Battery Scheme closed in 2022; the federal CHBP combined with a VPP is now the active path.", "source": "SA Government", "action": { "label": "SA systems", "href": "/south-australia" }, "meaning": "The state scheme is gone; the federal discount and a VPP are what's left. Treat any quote citing the old SA scheme as out of date.", "affects": [ "battery" ] }, { "id": "tas-energy-saver-loan", "date": "1 Sep 2025", "region": "TAS", "type": "policy", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "TAS Energy Saver Loan has closed", "text": "Tasmania's Energy Saver Loan Scheme closed to new applications at 11:59pm on 1 September 2025. Approved loans had to be settled and installations completed by 30 November 2025. Federal STCs and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program are the active support.", "source": "ReCFIT (Tasmanian Government)", "action": { "label": "TAS systems", "href": "/tasmania" }, "meaning": "If you were counting on this loan, you'll need another finance path — check what your installer offers before committing to a system size.", "affects": [ "battery", "hot-water" ], "sourceUrl": "https://www.recfit.tas.gov.au/get_involved/news/energy-saver-loan-scheme", "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "tas-heatpump-payback", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "TAS", "type": "price", "impact": "good", "title": "TAS battery + heat pump payback is strong", "text": "Lower peak-sun than the mainland is offset by high tariffs, so battery-plus-heat-pump payback in Tasmania is strong.", "source": "Mission Green analysis", "action": { "label": "Electrify your home", "href": "/electrify" }, "meaning": "In Tasmania the heat pump usually pays back faster than the battery. If budget is limited, do the hot water first.", "affects": [ "hot-water", "bills" ] }, { "id": "act-shs-loan", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "ACT", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "ACT Sustainable Household Scheme loan still funded", "text": "The ACT's Sustainable Household Scheme offers low-interest loans at a fixed 3% rate (no fees), up to $15,000 — demand is high, so apply early. A separate zero-interest path exists for concession-card holders.", "source": "ACT Government", "action": { "label": "ACT systems", "href": "/act" }, "sourceUrl": "https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme", "meaning": "Still the cheapest way to spread the cost in the ACT if you qualify — zero interest beats any 'interest-free' retail offer with fees built into the price.", "affects": [ "battery", "hot-water" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "act-electrification-leader", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "ACT", "type": "policy", "impact": "good", "title": "ACT leads Australia on electrification", "text": "The ACT remains Australia's most electrification-friendly territory, with strong support for moving homes off gas.", "source": "Mission Green analysis", "action": { "label": "Electrify your home", "href": "/electrify" }, "meaning": "Context, not an offer — it means ACT households generally have more support available than most, so it's worth checking every program before you pay.", "affects": [ "bills" ] }, { "id": "wa-residential-battery-scheme", "date": "Apr 2026", "region": "WA", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "WA Residential Battery Scheme open — up to $3,800", "text": "The WA Residential Battery Scheme is open — Synergy customers can claim $1,300 and Horizon customers $3,800. VPP enrolment is required.", "source": "WA Government", "action": { "label": "WA systems", "href": "/western-australia" }, "sourceUrl": "https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/wa-residential-battery-scheme", "meaning": "Worth having if you're buying a battery in WA, but VPP enrolment is a condition — you're agreeing to let your retailer use some of your stored power. Read those terms before you sign.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "wa-battery-tech-reqs-may2026", "date": "1 May 2026", "region": "WA", "type": "technical", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "New WA solar & battery rules start 1 May 2026", "text": "From 1 May 2026 new and upgraded rooftop solar and battery systems on WA's South West Interconnected System must meet new requirements: inverters up to 30 kVA on a standard connection, compliance with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 set to 'Australia Region B', and the ability to be remotely disconnected and reconnected by your retailer — or else be export-limited to 1.5 kW.", "source": "Energy Policy WA", "action": { "label": "WA systems", "href": "/western-australia" }, "sourceUrl": "https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/new-requirements-small-scale-solar-and-battery-systems", "meaning": "Affects new and upgraded systems, not existing ones. Ask your installer to confirm in writing that your system meets the new standard — the alternative is a 1.5 kW export cap.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "nt-battery-scheme", "date": "Jul 2026", "region": "NT", "type": "rebate", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "NT Battery Scheme closed — $6m funding exhausted", "text": "The NT Home & Business Battery Scheme has reached its $6 million funding allocation and is closed to new grants; submitted-but-unapproved applications are only considered if funding remains. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program still applies in the NT.", "source": "NT Government", "sourceUrl": "https://nt.gov.au/industry/business-grants-funding/home-and-business-battery-scheme", "meaning": "Don't budget for this grant. If a quote still includes it, the price you were shown is wrong.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "nt-peak-fit-jul2025", "date": "1 Jul 2025", "region": "NT", "type": "price", "impact": "good", "title": "NT 18.66c/kWh peak feed-in lifts battery payback", "text": "The 18.66c/kWh peak feed-in tariff (3pm–9pm) significantly improved home-battery payback in the Northern Territory.", "source": "Jacana Energy (NT Government-owned retailer)", "action": { "label": "See battery rebates", "href": "/programs#rebates-by-state" }, "meaning": "A strong evening export rate rewards storing power and exporting it at peak — but only if your battery is set up to do that, so ask how it will be configured.", "affects": [ "battery", "bills" ], "sourceUrl": "https://jacanaenergy.com.au/residential/pricing", "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "vic-pv-income-cap-jul2026", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "rebate", "impact": "act-now", "title": "VIC solar rebate income cap drops to $150k", "text": "Solar Victoria's PV rebate income cap drops from $210,000 to $150,000 from 1 July 2026 — households earning $150,000–$210,000 must apply by 30 June 2026.", "source": "Solar Victoria", "sourceUrl": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-panel-rebate", "action": { "label": "Check VIC rebates", "href": "/victorian-solar-rebates-2026" }, "deadline": "2026-06-30", "meaning": "If your household income sits between $150,000 and $210,000 you needed to apply before the cut-off. Above the new cap, price the system without the rebate rather than hoping.", "affects": [ "solar" ] }, { "id": "nsw-home-energy-saver-loans-2026", "date": "Jun 2026", "region": "NSW", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "NSW Home Energy Saver: 0% loans up to $15,000 now open", "text": "Zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 for upgrades including solar, batteries and heat pumps are open now under the NSW Home Energy Saver program, delivered by Brighte and Plenti. Combined household income up to $210,000; homeowners and landlords; no current closing date.", "source": "NSW Climate and Energy Action", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/home-energy-saver", "action": { "label": "NSW battery options", "href": "/battery-storage-nsw" }, "meaning": "If you were going to finance a battery or heat pump anyway, zero interest genuinely beats a retail finance package. It doesn't make a system worth buying on its own — a loan is still a debt.", "affects": [ "battery", "solar", "hot-water" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "nsw-hes-discounts-coming-2026", "date": "Jun 2026", "region": "NSW", "type": "rebate", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "NSW: up to $4,000 energy-upgrade discounts coming", "text": "The Home Energy Saver program will also offer discounts of up to $4,000 for households with combined income up to $80,000 or an eligible concession card (homeowners and renters, delivered by Creditex) — applications aren't open yet. If you're eligible, factor that timing into any purchase decision.", "source": "NSW Climate and Energy Action", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/home-energy-saver", "meaning": "If you're likely eligible, this is one of the few cases where waiting is the rational move — a discount you qualify for beats installing a month earlier.", "affects": [ "battery", "hot-water" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "vic-hot-water-rebate-2026-27", "date": "Jul 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "VIC hot water rebate open: up to $1,000 for 2026-27", "text": "Solar Victoria's hot water rebate is open for 2026-27 — up to $1,000 off an eligible heat pump or solar hot water system, or up to $1,400 for locally made products, for households with combined taxable income under $150,000. Installation must be finalised within 120 days of approval.", "source": "Solar Victoria", "sourceUrl": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate", "action": { "label": "Electrify your home", "href": "/electrify" }, "meaning": "If your electric or gas hot water unit is near end of life, this is usually the highest-return upgrade in the house — hot water is a big share of a typical bill.", "affects": [ "hot-water", "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "act-shs-cap-solar-change-jul2026", "date": "1 Jul 2026", "region": "ACT", "type": "policy", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "ACT SHS: loan cap now $20,000, solar moves to HESP", "text": "From 1 July 2026 the Sustainable Household Scheme applies a $20,000 maximum loan for new applicants (previous participants and anyone approved before 1 July 2026 keep a $15,000 maximum), and rooftop solar is no longer in the main scheme — zero-interest solar loans move to the Home Energy Support Program for eligible concession card holders. Batteries, heat pumps, electric heating/cooling and EV chargers remain eligible.", "source": "ACT Government — Climate Choices", "sourceUrl": "https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme", "meaning": "If you were planning to fund solar through the SHS loan, that path has moved — check whether you qualify for the concession-based program before you assume the loan covers it.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "dmo-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "price", "impact": "good", "title": "Default Market Offer 2026-27 falls in NSW and SE QLD", "text": "The AER's final Default Market Offer for 2026-27 applies from 1 July 2026 in NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia. Residential flat-rate standing offer prices fall 3.4%-5.0% in NSW and 7.2% in south-east Queensland; South Australian households see a 1.4% increase.", "source": "Australian Energy Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://www.aer.gov.au/news/articles/news-releases/aer-releases-final-default-market-offer-2026-27", "meaning": "The default offer is the safety-net price, not a good one — if you're on it, a fall of a few per cent still leaves you paying more than a competitive plan. Use it as a prompt to compare, not as a saving.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "solar-sharer-jul2026", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "policy", "impact": "good", "title": "Solar Sharer: three hours of free midday power", "text": "From 1 July 2026 retailers in the Default Market Offer areas of NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia must offer an opt-in Solar Sharer plan giving smart-meter households at least three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day. It is available whether or not you have solar, and whether you rent or own.", "source": "Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water", "sourceUrl": "https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/solar-sharer-offer-help-cut-electricity-bills", "meaning": "Only worth switching to if you can actually move washing, dishes or charging into the free window. An empty 9-to-5 house may end up worse off on higher peak rates.", "affects": [ "bills", "ev" ], "action": { "label": "The free-power window, explained", "href": "/solar-sharer-free-power-window-explained" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "vdo-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "price", "impact": "good", "title": "Victorian Default Offer drops about 5%", "text": "The Essential Services Commission's final Victorian Default Offer applies from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Households on the default offer see an average reduction of $84 a year, and small businesses $241 a year.", "source": "Essential Services Commission (Victoria)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/regulator-reduces-victorian-default-electricity-prices", "meaning": "$84 a year is real but small. The bigger lever is leaving the default offer entirely — it exists as a cap, not a deal.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "ipart-fit-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "NSW", "type": "price", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "IPART cuts NSW feed-in benchmark to 3.4-6.5c", "text": "IPART's all-day solar feed-in benchmark for 2026-27 is 3.4 to 6.5 cents per kWh, down from 4.8 to 7.3 cents in 2025-26. The benchmark is a guide only — NSW retailers set their own feed-in rates.", "source": "IPART (NSW)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Energy/Retail-prices/Solar-Energy", "meaning": "Exporting is worth less again, which shifts the value to using your own solar as it is generated. It does not automatically mean you need a battery — run the numbers on your own usage first.", "affects": [ "solar", "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Is solar still worth it without a battery?", "href": "/feed-in-tariffs-zero-is-solar-worth-it-without-battery" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "recall-tesla-powerwall-2", "date": "13 April 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "safety", "impact": "act-now", "title": "Recall: Tesla Powerwall 2 (units sold to Aug 2025)", "text": "The ACCC recall for Tesla Powerwall 2, first published 16 September 2025, was updated on 13 April 2026 to cover units available for sale from 1 November 2020 to 23 August 2025. Certain third-party battery cells may fail and overheat. Affected owners should keep the system online and check the Tesla app; Tesla will remotely discharge and replace affected units at no cost.", "source": "ACCC Product Safety", "sourceUrl": "https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/powerwall-2-updated", "meaning": "If you own a Powerwall 2 installed in that window — including one we installed — check the Tesla app now and follow Tesla's instructions. Don't wait to be contacted.", "affects": [ "battery", "safety" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "stc-deeming-5yr-2026", "date": "1 January 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "rebate", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "Solar STC deeming drops to 5 years for 2026 installs", "text": "Under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, a rooftop solar system installed in 2026 is deemed over 5 years, down from 6 years in 2025. Fewer deemed years means fewer certificates and a smaller upfront discount on an identical system. The deeming period falls by one year annually until the scheme ends in 2030.", "source": "Clean Energy Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates/calculate-small-scale-technology-certificate-entitlements", "meaning": "The federal solar discount shrinks a little every January. It is a gradual taper, not a cliff — worth knowing, but not a reason to rush a system you haven't sized properly.", "affects": [ "solar" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "chbp-funding-increase-dec2025", "date": "Dec 2025", "region": "Federal", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "Battery program funding lifted to about $7.2 billion", "text": "The Clean Energy Regulator announced changes to the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, with funding increased from $2.3 billion to an estimated $7.2 billion over four years. Certificates for solar batteries became tiered by battery size, with the discount targeted at about 30% and adjusted over time as battery costs fall.", "source": "Clean Energy Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://cer.gov.au/news-and-media/news/2025/december/changes-to-cheaper-home-batteries-program", "meaning": "More funding means less risk of the program running dry mid-year — one fewer reason to feel rushed by a salesperson.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "recall-sigenergy-ec-nov2025", "date": "19 November 2025", "region": "Federal", "type": "safety", "impact": "act-now", "title": "Recall: Sigenergy SigenStor single-phase controllers", "text": "The ACCC published a recall for Sigenergy SigenStor EC 8.0/10.0/12.0kW single-phase energy controllers with quick-connect AC plugs, sold 4 March 2025 to 18 November 2025. The AC plugs may overheat and become damaged, posing a fire risk. Owners should keep the system connected to the internet for the firmware update and arrange the free replacement unit.", "source": "ACCC Product Safety", "sourceUrl": "https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/sigenstor-ec-80100120kw-sp-au-energy-controllers", "meaning": "If you have a SigenStor from that period — including one we installed — check the mySigen app and make sure the replacement is booked.", "affects": [ "battery", "safety" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "recall-goodwe-ehb-geh-sep2025", "date": "19 September 2025", "region": "Federal", "type": "safety", "impact": "act-now", "title": "Recall: GoodWe EHB and GE GEH hybrid inverters", "text": "The ACCC published a recall covering GoodWe EHB series and GE-branded GEH series hybrid inverters sold 3 May 2021 to 4 September 2025. In bypass mode the inverter can export power to the grid through the bypass switch. Owners must not use bypass mode until the firmware update is installed.", "source": "ACCC Product Safety", "sourceUrl": "https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/goodwe-ehb-series-and-geh-series-solar-inverters", "meaning": "If you have one of these hybrid inverters — including one we installed — leave the bypass switch alone and get the firmware update done.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery", "safety" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "chbp-launch-jul2025", "date": "1 July 2025", "region": "Federal", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "Cheaper Home Batteries Program starts nationally", "text": "Amendments to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 made solar batteries eligible to create small-scale technology certificates from 1 July 2025, delivering around a 30% discount on the upfront cost. Certificates can be claimed on the first 50 kWh of usable capacity, for batteries of 5-100 kWh capable of joining a virtual power plant.", "source": "Clean Energy Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://cer.gov.au/news-and-media/news/2025/june/renewable-energy-regulations-amended-to-support-solar-battery-installations-under-sres", "meaning": "This is the program most battery quotes are built on. Your battery must be VPP-capable to qualify — but you are not obliged to actually join a VPP.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "action": { "label": "The program, honestly", "href": "/cheaper-home-batteries-program-2026" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "vic-min-fit-abolished-jul2025", "date": "1 July 2025", "region": "VIC", "type": "price", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "Victoria's minimum feed-in tariff abolished", "text": "Following an amendment to the Electricity Industry Act 2000, the Essential Services Commission no longer sets a minimum feed-in tariff in Victoria. The 2024-25 minimum rates were the last to apply; from 1 July 2025 Victorian retailers set their own rates, and cannot go below zero cents per kWh.", "source": "Essential Services Commission (Victoria)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/electricity-and-gas/electricity-and-gas-tariffs-and-benchmarks/minimum-feed-tariff", "meaning": "There is no longer a floor under what Victorian retailers pay you for exports, so the feed-in rate is now something to compare between retailers rather than assume.", "affects": [ "solar", "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "dmo-2025-26", "date": "1 July 2025", "region": "Federal", "type": "price", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "Default Market Offer 2025-26 raised prices in all three regions", "text": "The AER's final Default Market Offer applied from 1 July 2025 in NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia. Residential standing offer prices rose in every region: 0.5%-3.7% in south-east Queensland, 2.3%-3.2% in South Australia and 8.3%-9.7% in NSW.", "source": "Australian Energy Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://www.aer.gov.au/news/articles/news-releases/final-determination-2025-26-safety-net-prices-nsw-sa-and-se-qld", "meaning": "Kept here as the record of what came before the 2026-27 fall — useful context when a bill comparison spans both years.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "vdo-2025-26", "date": "1 July 2025", "region": "VIC", "type": "price", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "Victorian Default Offer rose about 1%", "text": "The Essential Services Commission's Victorian Default Offer for 2025-26 applied from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, with an average increase across the five distribution zones of $20 a year for households and $90 a year for small businesses.", "source": "Essential Services Commission (Victoria)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/independent-regulator-announces-victorian-electricity-default-offer", "meaning": "Context for year-on-year bill comparisons in Victoria, ahead of the 2026-27 reduction.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "ipart-fit-2025-26", "date": "May 2025", "region": "NSW", "type": "price", "impact": "neutral", "title": "IPART set 2025-26 NSW feed-in benchmark at 4.8-7.3c", "text": "IPART published its NSW solar feed-in benchmark for 2025-26 at 4.8 to 7.3 cents per kWh all-day. The benchmarks incorporated new network charges and rebates for solar exports introduced by NSW distribution networks, with a net effect of less than 0.1 c/kWh.", "source": "IPART (NSW)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/documents/media-release/media-release-ipart-publishes-nsw-solar-feed-tariff-benchmarks-2025-26-may-2025", "meaning": "The reference point the 2026-27 cut is measured against — and evidence that the 'sun tax' network charges moved the benchmark by almost nothing.", "affects": [ "solar" ], "action": { "label": "The sun tax, explained", "href": "/sun-tax-two-way-export-tariff-explained" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-22" }, { "id": "nsw-pdrs-bess1-chbp-stack-jul2026", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "NSW", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "NSW battery incentive can be claimed with the federal rebate", "text": "The PDRS Rule change that commenced 1 July 2026 states that both the NSW BESS1 battery incentive and the Commonwealth Cheaper Home Batteries Program incentive can be claimed for eligible implementations. The same rule redefines Usable Battery Capacity as 90% of nominal capacity, and removes the inverter warranty and DER Register requirements.", "source": "NSW Climate and Energy Action (Energy Security Safeguard)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energysustainabilityschemes.nsw.gov.au/pdrs-rule-and-changes", "meaning": "Two incentives on one battery is the biggest single lever on NSW payback. Ask for a quote that shows the federal discount and the NSW incentive as separate line items — if they are folded into one \"discount\", you cannot tell what you actually received.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "action": { "label": "NSW battery options", "href": "/battery-storage-nsw" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "nsw-pdrs-bess345-sep2026", "date": "1 September 2026", "region": "NSW", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "NSW opens battery incentives to apartments and business", "text": "Three new PDRS battery activities commence 1 September 2026. BESS3 covers apartment buildings (Class 2) with at least four dwellings, for combined usable capacity above 20 kWh and up to 200 kWh, with a minimum customer payment of $1,000. BESS4 covers small and medium business on the same capacity band with a $5,000 minimum payment. BESS5 covers commercial and industrial systems above 200 kWh and up to 30,000 kWh, with the incentive applying only to the first 10,000 kWh of capacity.", "source": "NSW Climate and Energy Action (Energy Security Safeguard)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energysustainabilityschemes.nsw.gov.au/pdrs-rule-and-changes", "meaning": "Apartment blocks and small businesses have been locked out of battery incentives for years. If you are on a strata committee, start the network approval conversation now — on shared systems that approval, not the install, is what takes the time.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "action": { "label": "Batteries for apartments and strata", "href": "/solar-battery-for-apartments-strata" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "nsw-solar-apartments-dec2026", "date": "Jul 2026", "region": "NSW", "type": "rebate", "impact": "act-now", "deadline": "2026-12-04", "title": "NSW apartment solar grants close 4 December", "text": "The NSW Solar for Apartment Residents grant co-funds shared rooftop solar on strata buildings and is applied for by the owners corporation or the strata managing agent. Applications close 5pm EDST on 4 December 2026, or earlier if the funds are fully allocated. The program page does not publish a grant amount or co-funding percentage.", "source": "NSW Climate and Energy Action", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/solar-apartment-residents", "meaning": "A dated government cut-off that can close early if the money runs out. In a strata building the slow part is getting the owners corporation to resolve, not the paperwork — start there.", "affects": [ "solar" ], "action": { "label": "Batteries for apartments and strata", "href": "/solar-battery-for-apartments-strata" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "vic-loyalty-tax-2026", "date": "Jul 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "policy", "impact": "good", "title": "VIC ends the energy \"loyalty tax\"", "text": "New Victorian rules require energy retailers to identify customers who have been on the same plan for more than four years and to start moving them to a cheaper plan if they are no longer paying a reasonable price. Retailers must weigh current offers, market prices and the Victorian Default Offer when judging what is reasonable, and must limit additional retail charges and conditional discounts to a reasonable cost.", "source": "Essential Services Commission (Victoria)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/fairer-energy-deals-long-term-customers", "meaning": "Do not wait to be moved. The obligation is real, but the fastest saving is still comparing offers yourself — the rule exists precisely because loyal customers were the ones being charged most.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Are you overpaying?", "href": "/are-you-overpaying-dmo-vdo-default-offer" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "vic-hardship-protections-oct2026", "date": "1 October 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "policy", "impact": "good", "title": "VIC lifts disconnection debt threshold to $1,000", "text": "From 1 October 2026 Victorian retailers must automatically move customers experiencing payment difficulty onto their best plan, and the minimum debt at which a household can be disconnected rises from $300 to $1,000.", "source": "Essential Services Commission (Victoria)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/fairer-energy-deals-long-term-customers", "meaning": "If you are behind on a bill you get more room before disconnection, and your retailer has to put you on their cheapest plan. It only triggers once they know you are struggling, so tell them.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "vic-veu-rcac-cap-sep2026", "date": "30 September 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "rebate", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "VIC proposes capping air conditioner incentives", "text": "DEECA's response to its space heating and cooling consultation proposes capping the capacity used in VEU incentive calculations for reverse-cycle air conditioners at 20 kW, and raising the minimum customer co-payment to $3,000 for all ducted systems and multi-split systems of 10 kW or more. The co-payment for multi-splits under 10 kW stays at $1,000. DEECA states the changes are proposed to take effect from 30 September 2026 and that the VEU Specifications are still to be updated.", "source": "DEECA (Victoria)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/installers/veu-industry-latest-news/veu-news/space-heating-cooling-and-energy-rating-assessment-response", "meaning": "Proposed, not yet law — so treat any \"beat the deadline\" ad with suspicion. But the direction is a smaller VEU discount on big ducted and multi-split systems, not a bigger one. Insist on a quote that states the VEU amount as its own line.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Air conditioning", "href": "/aircon" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "vic-veu-induction-cooktop-2026", "date": "30 June 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "VIC induction cooktop discount extended past its pilot", "text": "The Essential Services Commission has extended the VEU induction cooktop activity beyond its 30 June 2026 pilot period and removed the requirement for a cooktop to appear on the Secretary's product list, widening the range of eligible models. Installers also no longer need to collect a gas or LPG bill from the customer.", "source": "Essential Services Commission (Victoria)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/updates-reports-reviews-and-data/updates-veu-program/changes-veu-induction-cooktops-activity-activity-46-and-clarification-eligible-lighting-control", "meaning": "Better bundled with a hot water or heating upgrade than done alone — the discount is small next to what it costs to run a new circuit to a kitchen.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Electrify your home", "href": "/electrify" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "vic-veu-hera-paused-jun2026", "date": "24 June 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "policy", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "VIC pauses subsidised home energy rating assessments", "text": "The VEU Home Energy Rating Assessment activity was paused from 24 June 2026 after the Residential Efficiency Scorecard program closed on 23 June 2026. Assessments carried out after 23 June 2026 can no longer create VEECs, so the discounted assessment is not currently available.", "source": "Essential Services Commission (Victoria)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/updates-reports-reviews-and-data/updates-veu-program/home-energy-rating-assessment-hera-activity-be-paused-24-june-2026", "meaning": "If someone is still selling you a \"subsidised\" Scorecard assessment, the subsidy behind it no longer exists. Ask what you are actually paying before you book.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "vic-solar-homes-supervision-cyber-jul2026", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "technical", "impact": "neutral", "title": "Solar Homes adds supervision and cyber-security rules", "text": "From 1 July 2026, businesses in Solar Victoria's Solar Homes Program must actively supervise apprentice electricians in line with Energy Safe Victoria's requirements, and eligible products must meet the national cyber security rules that commenced 4 March 2026.", "source": "Solar Victoria", "sourceUrl": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/stronger-safety-and-cyber-security-protections-under-solar-homes", "meaning": "Two quiet quality improvements that cost you nothing: the crew on your roof has to be properly supervised, and your battery or inverter cannot ship with a default password.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery", "safety" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "tas-prices-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "TAS", "type": "price", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "TAS power prices rise 4.23% from 1 July", "text": "The Tasmanian Economic Regulator approved Aurora Energy's 2026-27 standing offer prices on 25 June 2026. Prices rise an average 4.23% for residential and small business customers on mainland Tasmania, an estimated $108 a year for a typical residential customer on Tariff 31/41. The Regulator attributes almost all of the increase to higher approved TasNetworks network costs, and also approved tariff structure changes that generally raise the daily supply charge and reduce usage charges.", "source": "Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://www.economicregulator.tas.gov.au/Documents/26%202042%20Media%20release%20-%20regulated%20electricity%20prices%20and%20feed-in%20tariff%20rate%20for%202026-27.pdf", "meaning": "More of the bill has moved into the fixed daily charge, which means cutting usage saves you less than it used to. Check your own tariff — the Regulator says impacts vary and some customers will land above or below the 4.23% average.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Tasmania", "href": "/tasmania" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "tas-fit-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "TAS", "type": "price", "impact": "good", "title": "TAS minimum feed-in tariff rises to 9.276c/kWh", "text": "The Tasmanian Economic Regulator set the minimum feed-in tariff for 2026-27 at 9.276 cents per kWh, 5.6% above the 2025-26 rate of 8.782 cents. Retailers operating in Tasmania must offer at least this rate to eligible customers. The Regulator attributes the rise mainly to higher loss factors, slightly higher wholesale costs and higher market participation costs.", "source": "Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://www.economicregulator.tas.gov.au/Documents/26%202042%20Media%20release%20-%20regulated%20electricity%20prices%20and%20feed-in%20tariff%20rate%20for%202026-27.pdf", "meaning": "Tasmania is one of the few places where exporting solar is worth more this year, not less, and the floor is legally guaranteed. That genuinely weakens the battery case here compared with the mainland — do the sums before assuming you need one.", "affects": [ "solar", "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Tasmania", "href": "/tasmania" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "tas-flat-rate-tariffs-jul2026", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "TAS", "type": "technical", "impact": "neutral", "title": "TAS gets new regulated flat-rate tariffs", "text": "As required by the Regulator, Aurora Energy introduced new regulated flat rate tariffs for residential and small business customers from 1 July 2026, offering a standing offer with a single usage rate regardless of the time of day.", "source": "Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://www.economicregulator.tas.gov.au/Documents/26%202042%20Media%20release%20-%20regulated%20electricity%20prices%20and%20feed-in%20tariff%20rate%20for%202026-27.pdf", "meaning": "Useful if a time-of-use tariff stopped suiting how you actually live. A flat rate is not automatically cheaper though — compare it against your last full year of usage, not against the headline rate.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "qld-regional-prices-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "QLD", "type": "price", "impact": "good", "title": "Regional QLD power prices fall about 6.9%", "text": "The Queensland Competition Authority's final determination sets regulated retail (notified) prices for regional Queensland from 1 July 2026. Typical residential customers on tariff 11 are expected to pay around 6.9% less than in 2025-26, and typical small business customers on tariff 20 around 8.1% less.", "source": "Queensland Competition Authority", "sourceUrl": "https://www.qca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/notified-prices-final-determination-report.pdf", "meaning": "This is the Ergon regulated tariff in regional Queensland only. In south-east Queensland it is the Default Market Offer that sets the benchmark, and that is a separate number.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Queensland", "href": "/queensland" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "qld-regional-fit-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "QLD", "type": "price", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "Regional QLD feed-in tariff cut 31% to 6.006c", "text": "The Queensland Competition Authority set the regional Queensland flat-rate solar feed-in tariff for 2026-27 at 6.006 cents per kWh, 31% below the 2025-26 rate of 8.660 cents, applying from 1 July 2026. The QCA attributes the fall to lower energy costs and better solar export data from advanced digital meters, and states customers should not expect the rate to stay the same when deciding whether to install or upgrade a system.", "source": "Queensland Competition Authority", "sourceUrl": "https://www.qca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/solar-fit-fact-sheet-june-2026.pdf", "meaning": "A third less for every kWh you export. The cheapest response is not a battery — it is moving what you can into daylight hours, starting with hot water, the pool pump and pre-cooling the house.", "affects": [ "solar", "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Queensland", "href": "/queensland" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "qld-electricity-rebate-2026", "date": "Jul 2026", "region": "QLD", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "QLD concession electricity rebate is $399.47 a year", "text": "The Queensland Government publishes its concession-card electricity rebate at $399.47 a year including GST, and the reticulated natural gas rebate at $96.45 a year. You must hold an eligible concession card, be the account holder, and the address must be your principal place of residence. The page does not state a previous amount or an indexation date.", "source": "Queensland Government", "sourceUrl": "https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions/energy-concessions/electricity-gas-rebates", "meaning": "It is not applied automatically — you have to apply, and plenty of eligible households never do. Worth five minutes if anyone in the house holds a pensioner, seniors or health care card.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Queensland", "href": "/queensland" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "sa-energy-concession-2026", "date": "Jul 2026", "region": "SA", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "SA energy concession is up to $291.27 a year", "text": "South Australia's energy bill concession for eligible low and fixed income households is published at up to $291.27 a year. The amount is indexed each financial year and is calculated as a flat rate per day, and it covers energy payments including bottled LPG.", "source": "SA.GOV.AU (Department of Human Services)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/concessions/household-concessions/energy-bill-concessions", "meaning": "It lands as a daily credit, not a lump sum, so it is easy to miss. Concessions quietly lapse when you move house or switch retailer — check yours is still attached to the account.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "South Australia", "href": "/south-australia" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "wa-prices-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "WA", "type": "price", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "WA residential tariff rises from 1 July", "text": "Energy Policy WA's household pricing table shows the standard residential A1/A2 tariff rising on 1 July 2026: the daily supply charge from $1.1605 to $1.1924, and the usage charge from 32.3719 to 33.2621 cents per unit. Neither Energy Policy WA nor Synergy publishes a percentage change for this tariff.", "source": "Energy Policy WA", "sourceUrl": "https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/household-electricity-pricing", "meaning": "Ignore the \"2.75%\" figure being quoted around this rise — that is a cap on the broader tariff changes, not the published A1 rate. The cents figures above are what your bill is actually calculated from.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Western Australia", "href": "/western-australia" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "wa-debs-unchanged-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "WA", "type": "price", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "WA solar buyback rates unchanged for 2026-27", "text": "Synergy states there are no changes to either the REBS or DEBS buyback rate for 2026-27, and Horizon Power lists its DEBS rates as unchanged from last year, while grid tariffs rose on 1 July 2026.", "source": "Synergy", "sourceUrl": "https://www.synergy.net.au/Global/Synergy-Price-Changes-2026", "meaning": "Grid power got dearer while exports stayed flat, so the gap between what you save and what you earn just widened again. That is the real argument for self-consumption in WA — use it before you sell it.", "affects": [ "solar", "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Western Australia", "href": "/western-australia" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "wa-concessions-up-10pc-2026", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "WA", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "WA energy concessions and rebates up 10%", "text": "WA energy concessions and rebates increased by 10% for 2026-27. The Energy Assistance Payment rises from $342.85 to $377.14 a year, the Dependent Child Rebate from $360.51 to $396.56 for the first child, and the Air-conditioning Rebate from $71.80 to $78.98 per month.", "source": "Horizon Power", "sourceUrl": "https://www.horizonpower.com.au/about-us/news-announcements/fees-and-charges-2026/", "meaning": "The air-conditioning rebate is the one people miss — it is monthly, and in the north of the state it is worth more over a year than the Energy Assistance Payment.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Western Australia", "href": "/western-australia" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "nt-rates-2026-27", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "NT", "type": "price", "impact": "neutral", "title": "NT sets 2026-27 rates; Super FiT stays double", "text": "Jacana Energy's regulated residential rates for 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 are 31.6788 cents per kWh including GST plus a 62.45 cents daily fixed charge on the Standard Residential plan. Solar feed-in rates are listed unchanged at 9.33 cents per kWh anytime, and 18.66 cents for the Super FiT window from 3pm to 9pm. Multipurpose customers moved to the Standard Residential plan from 1 July 2026.", "source": "Jacana Energy", "sourceUrl": "https://jacanaenergy.com.au/residential/pricing", "meaning": "The 3pm-9pm Super FiT is still double the anytime rate, which is unusual in Australia. If you have a battery in the Territory, discharging into that window is worth more than self-consuming through it.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery", "bills" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "nt-solar-multi-dwellings-grant", "date": "Jul 2026", "region": "NT", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "NT shared-solar grant open: $7,500 per dwelling", "text": "With the Home and Business Battery Scheme closed, the NT's Solar for Multi Dwellings Grant Scheme remains open on GrantsNT with a listed closing date of 31 December 2027. It offers $7,500 excluding GST per dwelling, capped at 50% of the total cost of eligible works, for body corporates installing shared rooftop solar, solar sharing technology, smart meters and battery storage.", "source": "GrantsNT (Northern Territory Government)", "sourceUrl": "https://grantsnt.nt.gov.au/grants/solar-for-multi-dwellings-grant-scheme", "meaning": "The one NT scheme still open, and the only realistic route to solar if you live in a unit and do not own the roof. It is claimed by the body corporate, not by you individually.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "act-home-energy-support-extended-2026", "date": "4 June 2026", "region": "ACT", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "ACT Budget extends Home Energy Support rebates", "text": "The 2026-27 ACT Budget states that rebates available under the Home Energy Support Program will be extended. The program covers concession-card homeowners for rooftop solar, hot water systems, ceiling insulation and reverse-cycle heating and cooling. The Budget statement gives no new end date, cap or dollar change.", "source": "ACT Government", "sourceUrl": "https://www.act.gov.au/our-canberra/latest-news/2026/june/202627-act-budget-investing-in-climate-action-and-environment", "meaning": "A continuation, not a bigger offer — the amounts have not been announced as changing. If you were waiting for a better deal before applying, there is no sign one is coming.", "affects": [ "solar", "hot-water", "bills" ], "action": { "label": "ACT", "href": "/act" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "battery-stc-factor-jan2027", "date": "1 January 2027", "region": "Federal", "type": "rebate", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "Battery rebate factor steps down again on 1 January 2027", "text": "The Clean Energy Regulator's published STC factor for batteries is 6.8 per kWh of useable capacity for May to December 2026, falling to 5.7 for January to June 2027 and 5.2 for July to December 2027. The CER states the factor \"is adjusted in line with falling battery costs over time\" so that the discount stays at around 30% of the upfront cost.", "source": "Clean Energy Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://cer.gov.au/batteries", "meaning": "The same battery earns about 19% more certificates installed in December 2026 than in January 2027 — but the CER cuts the factor because battery prices are falling, and the aim is to hold the discount near 30% either way. Treat \"install before the rebate drops\" as a sales line, not a deadline: compare the total installed price, not the size of the rebate.", "affects": [ "battery" ], "action": { "label": "Cheaper Home Batteries Program", "href": "/cheaper-home-batteries-program-2026" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "stc-deeming-4yr-2027", "date": "1 January 2027", "region": "Federal", "type": "rebate", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "Solar STC deeming period drops to 4 years in 2027", "text": "The Clean Energy Regulator's deeming table gives a 5-year deeming period for systems installed in 2026 and 4 years for 2027. The CER states the deeming period \"decreases by one year each year until 2030 when the scheme ends\". It applies to rooftop solar, solar water heaters and heat pump water heaters.", "source": "Clean Energy Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates/calculate-small-scale-technology-certificate-entitlements", "meaning": "Unlike the battery factor, this one is a straight reduction — one fewer year of certificates on the same system, and it repeats every January until the scheme ends in 2030. It is a reason not to leave a planned install sitting for years, not a reason to rush one you have not costed.", "affects": [ "solar", "hot-water" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "home-energy-rating-jul2026", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "policy", "impact": "good", "title": "Home Energy Rating launches for existing homes", "text": "NatHERS Stage 2 rolled out on 1 July 2026, extending energy ratings to existing homes under a new Home Energy Rating brand and website, with assessor training and accreditation opened up and an enhanced Home Energy Rating Certificate.", "source": "energy.gov.au (DCCEEW)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energy.gov.au/news/home-energy-rating-launched-today", "meaning": "You can now get an official rating on the house you already live in, not just a new build. Worth doing before you spend on insulation, a heat pump or solar — it tells you which one actually pays first.", "affects": [ "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Electrify your home", "href": "/electrify" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "cer-national-technical-regulator-jul2026", "date": "21 July 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "policy", "impact": "good", "title": "CER to become national technical regulator for home energy devices", "text": "The Clean Energy Regulator announced it is preparing to take on a new role regulating the interoperability technical standards of consumer energy resources, which it says could include rooftop solar inverters, batteries and electric vehicle chargers. The announcement states no commencement date.", "source": "Clean Energy Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://cer.gov.au/news-and-media/news/2026/july/new-consumer-energy-national-technical-regulator-role-announced", "meaning": "The long-term aim is one national rulebook so your solar, battery and EV charger actually talk to each other instead of locking you into a single brand. Nothing changes for existing systems yet — there is no start date.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery", "ev" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "aemc-flexible-trading-nov2026", "date": "1 November 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "technical", "impact": "neutral", "title": "Flexible trading lets a battery or EV charger be metered separately", "text": "The AEMC's flexible trading arrangements rule for consumer energy resources is being implemented in stages, with in-built metering arrangements from 31 May 2026 and the majority of the rules commencing 1 November 2026. It allows a flexible device such as a battery or EV charger to be managed and traded separately from the rest of a home's load.", "source": "Australian Energy Market Commission", "sourceUrl": "https://www.aemc.gov.au/rule-changes/flexible-trading-arrangements-consumer-energy-resources", "meaning": "It opens the door to plans that price your battery or EV charger on a different rate to your fridge and lights. Whether that is worth anything depends on retailers actually offering it — wait for real offers before paying for new metering.", "affects": [ "battery", "ev" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "arena-v2g-amber-jun2026", "date": "2 June 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "policy", "impact": "neutral", "title": "ARENA funds 950 more vehicle-to-grid households", "text": "ARENA, through its Driving the Nation Program, is providing a $13.5 million funding boost to Amber Electric's vehicle-to-grid and smart charging programs, funding roughly 950 additional V2G customers and more than 1,000 smart charging customers.", "source": "energy.gov.au (ARENA / DCCEEW)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energy.gov.au/news/more-support-driveable-home-batteries", "meaning": "V2G in Australia is still a funded trial attached to one retailer, not a mainstream product. Useful if you already have a compatible EV — not a reason to choose a car or delay a home battery.", "affects": [ "ev", "battery" ], "action": { "label": "Is V2G worth it?", "href": "/is-v2g-worth-it-australia-2026" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "recall-aupk-ev-charger-jun2026", "date": "29 June 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "safety", "impact": "act-now", "title": "Recall: AUPK 7kW home EV charger", "text": "The ACCC recalled the AUPK 7kW EV charger (model 2100-1107, brand Chengdu Heng Miaoyuwen) on 29 June 2026 because it does not comply with Australian electrical safety standards, with a risk of death or serious injury from electric shock or fire. It was sold online nationally from 1 January to 10 May 2026 through the AUPK website, Big W Marketplace, Woolworths Marketplace and MyDeal. Owners are told not to use the charger and to turn it off immediately, then have a licensed electrician uninstall it. The refund covers the initial installation and uninstallation costs.", "source": "ACCC Product Safety", "sourceUrl": "https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/7kw-ev-charger", "meaning": "If you bought a cheap wall charger online this year, check the model now — turn it off at the switch first and get a licensed electrician to remove it. Keep the install receipt, because the refund is supposed to cover what you paid to fit it.", "affects": [ "ev", "safety" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "recall-lg-ess-batteries", "date": "29 September 2023", "region": "Federal", "type": "safety", "impact": "act-now", "title": "Still active: LG home battery recall — switch it off", "text": "The ACCC recall for LG ESS home batteries (PRA 2022/19550) remains active. Affected batteries may overheat and catch fire. Owners are told to check their serial number, and if the battery is affected and not yet remedied, to switch the battery off and contact LG Energy Solution Australia to book a technician. LG offers replacement or a refund, and compensation for higher electricity costs while the battery is off. Affected units include RESU3.3, RESU6.5, RESU10, RESU13, RESU7H Type-R, RESU10H Type-C and Type-R, and the EM048 series — and they were also sold inside SolaX Power Station and X-Cabinet, Opal Storage, Redback SH5000, Red Earth Sunrise and Drop Bear, Eguana Evolve and VARTA Pulse Neo systems.", "source": "ACCC Product Safety", "sourceUrl": "https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/lg-ess-home-energy-storage-system-batteries", "meaning": "The trap here is the badge on the wall. Plenty of affected batteries were never sold as LG — they sit inside SolaX, Redback, Opal, Red Earth, Eguana and VARTA systems. If your battery is any of those, check the serial before you assume it is unrelated.", "affects": [ "battery", "safety" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "recall-ariston-heat-pump-2025", "date": "31 October 2025", "region": "Federal", "type": "safety", "impact": "act-now", "title": "Recall: Ariston heat pump hot water — disconnect now", "text": "The ACCC recall for Ariston ARIHPWH-200 and ARIHPWH-280 heat pump water heaters, supplied by Chromagen Australia, covers units sold from 12 June 2024 to 22 September 2025. A manufacturing fault can cause the unit to malfunction and catch fire, and the notice states incidents have occurred. Owners are told to immediately disconnect the water heater from the power supply, remove combustible material around the unit, and contact Chromagen for a free on-site inspection and repair.", "source": "ACCC Product Safety", "sourceUrl": "https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/ariston-arihpwh-200-and-arihpwh-280-heat-pump-water-heaters", "meaning": "Heat pump hot water was one of the most-rebated upgrades of 2024-25, so a lot of these went in under rebate programs. Disconnecting means switching off at the isolator, not just turning the tap off — you will have cold water until Chromagen attends.", "affects": [ "hot-water", "safety" ], "action": { "label": "Heat pump hot water", "href": "/heat-pump-hot-water-worth-it-australia" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "recall-schott-solar-panels-2025", "date": "13 March 2025", "region": "Federal", "type": "safety", "impact": "act-now", "title": "Recall: SCHOTT solar panels made 2010-2012", "text": "The ACCC recall covers SCHOTT Perform POLY, Perform MONO, Power POLY, MONO and POLY solar panels manufactured between 2010 and 2012, supplied by ECORAN GmbH. The panels deteriorate and develop cracks on the back of the panel, which can expose live parts, with a risk of death or serious injury from electric shock or a fall from height. Owners should email ECORAN at info@ecoran.com with their details, and only photograph the panels if it is safe to do so.", "source": "ACCC Product Safety", "sourceUrl": "https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/solar-panels", "meaning": "A 2010-2012 system is around 15 years old, so many owners inherited it with the house and have no idea what is on the roof. Do not climb up to check — the recall notice itself warns against it. An installer can identify the panel from the ground or from your original paperwork.", "affects": [ "solar", "safety" ], "action": { "label": "Buying a house with solar", "href": "/buying-a-house-with-solar-what-to-check" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "cer-installer-enforcement-jul2026", "date": "22 July 2026", "region": "Federal", "type": "policy", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "CER bans installers; their systems lose the rebate", "text": "In its April-June 2026 compliance update the Clean Energy Regulator permanently suspended 21 companies from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, mainly because ASIC had deregistered them so they are no longer legal persons. It also issued a notice of intention to declare a solar retailer ineligible for up to 3 years over systems declared complete and capable of generating when they were not. Two accredited installers were separately banned: Sandeep Laxman Shinde for 3 years (13 July 2026) and Shunqi Sun for 12 months (10 July 2026). The CER states systems installed by a banned installer during the period are not eligible for small-scale technology certificates.", "source": "Clean Energy Regulator", "sourceUrl": "https://cer.gov.au/about-us/our-compliance-approach/compliance-and-enforcement-priorities/compliance-and-enforcement-priorities-2025-26/compliance-update-april-to-june-2026", "meaning": "This is the failure mode that costs real money: if the accredited installer on your paperwork was banned, the certificates behind your discount can be refused, and the shortfall lands on you. Check the accreditation number on your quote before you pay a deposit, not after.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery" ], "action": { "label": "Check an installer before you pay", "href": "/check-solar-installer-before-deposit" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "vic-ineligible-retailers-jun2026", "date": "23 June 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "policy", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "Three retailers removed from VIC Solar Homes", "text": "Solar Victoria removed three retailers from the Solar Homes Program following its investigations and assurance activities: Electrical Masters Pty Ltd (23 June 2026), Savvy Solar Pty Ltd (9 June 2026) and Vic Power & Data, trustee for the Loebert Family Trust (9 June 2026). Solar Victoria advises that these retailers cannot provide systems it will rebate. Customers with an approved application must select another authorised retailer, and those holding a quote need a new one. Solar Victoria does not publish a reason for each removal.", "source": "Solar Victoria", "sourceUrl": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/ineligible-solar-retailers", "meaning": "Being dropped from the program is not the same as going under, and Solar Victoria does not say which it is. What matters to you is narrower: a quote from any of these three can no longer carry the rebate, so get a fresh one before your approval lapses.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery" ], "action": { "label": "Check an installer before you pay", "href": "/check-solar-installer-before-deposit" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "vic-solar-liquidations-mar2026", "date": "24 March 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "policy", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "Cyanergy and Solar Emporium enter liquidation", "text": "Solar Victoria removed Cyanergy Pty Ltd and Solar Emporium Pty Ltd from the Solar Homes Program on 24 March 2026, stating this followed confirmation that both companies had entered liquidation and ceased operating. Customers are directed to the appointed liquidator.", "source": "Solar Victoria", "sourceUrl": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/ineligible-solar-retailers", "meaning": "When the installer is gone, the manufacturer warranty on the panels and inverter usually survives, but the workmanship warranty normally does not — that one dies with the company. Find your serial numbers and manufacturer paperwork now, while you can still remember which brand went on the roof.", "affects": [ "solar", "battery" ], "action": { "label": "Installer went bust — what now?", "href": "/solar-installer-went-bust-orphaned-system" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "vic-battery-inspection-wait-may2026", "date": "1 May 2026", "region": "VIC", "type": "technical", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "VIC battery switch-on waits stretched by rebate surge", "text": "Energy Safe Victoria advised that the surge in home battery installations under the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program has lengthened waits for the mandatory Licensed Electrical Inspector sign-off. Before a battery system can be switched on, a Licensed Electrical Inspector must assess and sign off on the work. ESV says your installer or retailer can confirm whether the inspection is booked and give an expected timeframe.", "source": "Energy Safe Victoria", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/media-centre/news/community-update-home-battery-inspections", "meaning": "A battery sitting installed but not switched on is normal in Victoria right now, and it is not your installer stalling. Ask for the inspection booking reference rather than a promise — and do not pay a final invoice that is contingent on commissioning until it is signed off.", "affects": [ "battery", "safety" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "wa-battery-standards-jun2026", "date": "19 June 2026", "region": "WA", "type": "technical", "impact": "neutral", "title": "WA battery installation standards now mandatory", "text": "Building and Energy WA advised that electrical licence holders must comply in full with AS/NZS 5139:2019 Amd 1:2025 for battery systems and AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2025 for cable selection from 19 June 2026.", "source": "Building and Energy WA", "sourceUrl": "https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/updated-electrical-installation-standards-battery-systems-and-cable-selection", "meaning": "An installer-facing rule, but it is the standard your install will be judged against if there is ever a dispute or a claim. Ask for the compliance paperwork that names these standards when the job is signed off.", "affects": [ "battery", "safety" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-07-25" }, { "id": "nsw-pdrs-wh1-removed-jul2026", "date": "1 July 2026", "region": "NSW", "type": "rebate", "impact": "heads-up", "title": "NSW drops its PDRS heat pump hot water incentive", "text": "The PDRS Rule change that commenced on 1 July 2026 removes heat pump water heater activity WH1 from the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. The same rule changed the air conditioner and battery activities, and NSW states that incentives for some commercial heat pump water heater products will change after 31 December 2026.", "source": "NSW Climate and Energy Action (Energy Security Safeguard)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.energysustainabilityschemes.nsw.gov.au/news-media/ess-pdrs/new-ess-and-pdrs-rules-commenced-1-july", "meaning": "One of the two NSW certificate pathways for heat pump hot water has closed. If a quote you are holding assumed a PDRS certificate on a heat pump, ask the installer to re-price it — the discount may not be there any more.", "affects": [ "hot-water", "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Heat pump hot water", "href": "/heat-pump-hot-water-worth-it-australia" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-29" }, { "id": "qld-supercharged-solar-renters-2026", "date": "Jul 2026", "region": "QLD", "type": "rebate", "impact": "good", "title": "QLD rental solar rebate: up to $3,500 for landlords", "text": "Queensland’s Supercharged Solar for Renters program offers eligible landlords rebates of up to $3,500 to install solar systems on rental properties.", "source": "Queensland Government", "sourceUrl": "https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/home-energy-savings", "meaning": "Renters cannot apply themselves, so the move is to raise it with the owner or agent — ideally at lease renewal. The landlord ends up owning a discounted asset, which is usually the argument that lands.", "affects": [ "solar", "bills" ], "action": { "label": "Queensland", "href": "/queensland" }, "verifiedOn": "2026-07-29" } ] }