https://missiongreen.com.au/news Australian home-energy rebate, price and policy changes — dated, sourced, corrections logged. Real deadlines get flagged; fake urgency doesn't make the wire. en-au Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-backstop-annual-test-aug2026 sa-backstop-annual-test-aug2026 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA SA Power Networks conducted its annual Smarter Homes solar curtailment test on Tuesday 25 August 2026. Rooftop solar on systems installed since September 2020 was ramped down to 0 kW for under an hour through the Relevant Agents that manage them, then ramped back up. SA Power Networks puts the average cost to a participating household at about 1.5 kWh of missed generation — roughly nine cents of export — and describes the exercise as a fire drill for the grid: it checks that compliant systems curtail when directed, that Relevant Agents respond quickly, and that systems reconnect smoothly. The underlying capability is used only when AEMO declares a genuine system-security emergency. Source: SA Power Networks. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-veu-royal-one-suspended-aug2026 vic-veu-royal-one-suspended-aug2026 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC The Essential Services Commission suspended the Victorian Energy Upgrades accreditation of Royal One Pty Ltd on 25 August 2026, alleging the business submitted digitally altered photos and falsified customer details to claim energy efficiency certificates. The commission states its Fraud Taskforce confirmed the alterations through third-party data matching and phone audits of listed customers, and that this is the taskforce's fourth enforcement action. Royal One's accreditation expired shortly after the suspension and the business did not apply to renew it, so it is no longer accredited under the program. Source: Essential Services Commission (Victoria). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-esv-inspector-fined-battery-coes-aug2026 vic-esv-inspector-fined-battery-coes-aug2026 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC A licensed electrical inspector was convicted and fined $5,000 at Ringwood Magistrates' Court on 24 August 2026 after pleading guilty to four charges of giving false information to Energy Safe Victoria. The certificates covered home battery installations at four properties in May and September 2025, and falsely stated he had inspected, tested and certified the work. Home battery installation is prescribed electrical work in Victoria, so its Certificate of Electrical Safety is only valid with a Certificate of Inspection confirming a licensed inspector attended the site before connection. The magistrate said the fine would have been $15,000 without the early guilty plea. Source: Energy Safe Victoria. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-worksafe-solar-falls-crackdown-aug2026 vic-worksafe-solar-falls-crackdown-aug2026 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC WorkSafe and Solar Victoria announced expanded data sharing on 26 August 2026 to target falls risks in solar installation. A new WorkSafe tool integrates Solar Victoria installer notifications so inspectors can identify active sites, prioritise operators with poor histories, and visit at least three solar installation sites proactively each week. So far this year, 14 Solar Victoria investigations linked to WorkSafe enforcement have produced 10 Solar Homes Program suspensions for inadequate fall prevention. Since 2021, WorkSafe has prosecuted 42 solar companies over falls risks with more than $1.4 million in penalties, and more than 2,300 construction workers — including solar workers — have been injured in falls, with 20 deaths. Source: Solar Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-aes-framework-regulations-aug2026 wa-aes-framework-regulations-aug2026 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA Energy Policy WA announced on 25 August 2026 that the regulations underpinning the Alternative Electricity Services (AES) framework have been made, extending formal customer protections to people who buy electricity through arrangements other than a standard retailer. The framework, under Part 3A of the Electricity Industry Act 2004, initially covers on-site power supply (OPS) services and single property networks (SPNs) — the arrangements common in apartment buildings, lifestyle villages and caravan parks. The Code of Practice for OPS services has been made, with provider registration opening 1 February 2027. SPN registration has been delayed to 1 July 2027 to give providers time to prepare, and consultation on the draft SPN Code of Practice is open now. Source: Energy Policy WA. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#federal-first-nations-clean-energy-pilot-grants-sep2026 federal-first-nations-clean-energy-pilot-grants-sep2026 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal DCCEEW published grant guidelines on 20 August 2026 for the $10 million First Nations Clean Energy Pilot Grants, supporting First Nations organisations to deliver clean energy projects. Applications open 1 September and close 28 September 2026, submitted through GrantConnect and Business.gov.au. The program sits under the First Nations Clean Energy Program and is separate from the existing First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants, with its own eligibility rules. Source: DCCEEW (Federal). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-veu-ceiling-insulation-2026 vic-veu-ceiling-insulation-2026 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-veu-rcac-cap-sep2026 vic-veu-rcac-cap-sep2026 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC DEECA's response to its space heating and cooling consultation proposes capping the capacity used in VEU incentive calculations at 20 kW for multi-split reverse-cycle air conditioners installed in residential premises. DEECA states the cap will not apply to installations in non-residential premises, and it does not apply to ducted systems. Multi-split systems above 20 kW can still be installed, but no incentive is awarded above that capacity. Separately, the minimum customer co-payment rises to $3,000 (including GST) for all ducted RCACs and for multi-split RCACs with a cooling capacity of 10 kW or more; multi-splits under 10 kW stay at $1,000 (including GST). 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-2800-rebate-plus-loan vic-2800-rebate-plus-loan Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC DEECA's consolidated discounts page advertises an “upfront discount” of up to $2,800 for rooftop solar. The incentive behind that figure is listed as the “Solar Victoria solar panel (PV) rebate plus interest-free loan” — that is a rebate of up to $1,400 and a matching interest-free loan of up to $1,400, repaid over four years. The two halves are not the same thing: one you keep, one you pay back. Victoria's hot water figure on the same page works differently — up to $2,030 for a locally made system combines the Solar Victoria rebate with a separate VEU discount, and both of those are genuine discounts rather than credit. Source: DEECA (Victoria). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#qld-supercharged-solar-renters-2026 qld-supercharged-solar-renters-2026 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT QLD Queensland's Supercharged Solar for Renters program, open since 12 December 2025, offers eligible landlords rebates of up to $3,500 to install solar on a tenanted rental property. Conditional approval must be granted BEFORE installation — install first and the rebate is lost. The property must be a Class 1a building (house, duplex or townhouse) or a secondary dwelling such as a granny flat, individually metered, rented for $1,000 or less per week, and currently rented under a lease with at least eight months remaining at final application. Apartments are Class 2 and are not eligible. The property must be owned by an individual: properties held by a trust, self-managed super fund or company are excluded. Tenant consent is required, and body corporate consent where applicable. Source: Queensland Government. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-albany-gas-transition-aug2026 wa-albany-gas-transition-aug2026 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA The WA Government has announced an extra $21 million to support residents and businesses affected by ATCO's decision to exit the Albany gas market, on top of a previously committed $10.8 million. About $16 million is set aside to help more than 6,000 homes and small businesses cover the cost of installing LPG bottles — and the government states that customers who prefer can instead reallocate that funding toward the cost of electric appliances. Standard bottled-gas conversion is put at around $1,600 per customer, with case-by-case support for older properties. Large gas-using businesses including restaurants will be offered free energy audits, with further support for them announced later this year once those audits are done. ATCO is contributing $5.5 million voluntarily and the transition has been delayed to 2027. Source: Government of Western Australia. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-business-battery-stacking-aug2026 nsw-business-battery-stacking-aug2026 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW NSW has announced that from 1 September 2026 eligible businesses, including commercial and industrial operations, can take an upfront discount of around 20 to 40 per cent on battery installation through government-accredited suppliers, on batteries from 20 kWh to 30 MWh. The program page confirms the discount can be combined with BOTH the Australian Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme solar discount and the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, provided the eligibility rules of each are met. The government's own worked examples put a small business such as a grocery store at a discount of around $37,000 and a medium business such as a dairy farm at around $355,000. Source: NSW Climate and Energy Action. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-gold-card-energy-payment-2026 wa-gold-card-energy-payment-2026 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA The WA Government's new Foster and Grand Carer Gold Card carries a one-off Energy Bill Relief Payment of $377.14 per household. The Department of Communities says registrations opened on 1 July 2026 and that carers who register through the ServiceWA app receive the payment into their nominated account between 1 July and 30 September 2026. Carers who would rather not use the app can register through Fostering Connections on 1800 182 178, or the WA Seniors Card Centre on 1800 671 233 for grandcarers. Source: WA Department of Communities. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-ess-commercial-heatpump-factor-jan2027 nsw-ess-commercial-heatpump-factor-jan2027 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW IPART states that from 1 January 2027, the confidence factors used to calculate energy savings for Energy Savings Scheme heat pump water heater activities F16 and F17 reduce from 1 to 0.7 for products with individual heat pump thermal capacities of 10kW and above — cutting the certificates, and therefore the incentive, on larger commercial installations completed after 31 December 2026. Source: IPART — Energy Security Safeguard. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#heuf-household-finance-aug2026 heuf-household-finance-aug2026 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal The Household Energy Upgrades Fund provides discounted finance for solar PV, batteries, insulation, double glazing and efficient electric appliances through seven participating lenders — Plenti, Westpac, ING Australia, Bank Australia, Commonwealth Bank, Brighte and Plico Energy. DCCEEW says the CEFC has committed over $500 million and the lenders a further $500 million since the fund started in May 2024; Bank Australia's CEFC-supported discount is noted as fully utilised. Source: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#qld-connections-guarantee-aug2026 qld-connections-guarantee-aug2026 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT QLD New Connections Guarantee KPIs require Energy Queensland to complete simple supply-available connections within five days 95 per cent of the time in 2026-27, with separate measures for subdivision and developer works, negotiated connections and public reporting of results. Energy Queensland's chief executive said solar, batteries and electric vehicles can make connections more complex. The framework is backed by $418 million in 2026-27 and also covers Powerlink. Source: Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-veu-discount-leds-liquidation-aug2026 vic-veu-discount-leds-liquidation-aug2026 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC The Essential Services Commission suspended the Victorian Energy Upgrades accreditation of Discount LEDs Pty Ltd on 7 August 2026, following confirmation the company has entered external administration and is no longer operating. The ESC states the company is not permitted to undertake any activities under the VEU program, and that customers who had engaged or were engaging it should contact the appointed liquidators at admin@gsandrews.com.au. Source: Essential Services Commission (Victoria). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-mees-rentals-mar2027 vic-mees-rentals-mar2027 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC Solar Victoria states that from 1 March 2027 new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards will apply to rental properties and public housing in Victoria, which the government says could save renters potentially thousands of dollars a year. Source: Solar Victoria. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-solar-apartments-2026 vic-solar-apartments-2026 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC Solar Victoria's Solar for Apartments program pays up to $2,800 per apartment and up to $140,000 per property for solar on apartment buildings, strata townhouses and units under an Owners Corporation sharing a common property rooftop. Solar Victoria states applications are open until 30 June 2027 or until all rebates are exhausted, whichever comes first, and that an average household in a multi-unit development can save up to $500 a year. Source: Solar Victoria. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-veu-commercial-solar-2026 vic-veu-commercial-solar-2026 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC The Victorian Government has expanded the Victorian Energy Upgrades program with upfront incentives for commercial and industrial premises installing solar PV systems between 30 and 200 kilowatts. Solar Victoria states all Victorian businesses and non-residential sites, including community buildings, schools and hospitals, are eligible, and that systems must be installed through VEU accredited providers. Solar Victoria adds that businesses wanting a system larger than 200 kW can do so under the VEU's project-based activity instead, and that businesses may also be eligible for federal incentives on the same install. Source: Solar Victoria. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-family-energy-rebate-2026-27 nsw-family-energy-rebate-2026-27 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW Households receiving the Family Tax Benefit and named on a NSW electricity account can claim up to $180 each financial year, or up to $198 as an embedded network customer. NSW Climate and Energy Action states applications are open now and close 15 June 2027, with processing currently taking 4-9 weeks. Source: NSW Climate and Energy Action. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-low-income-household-rebate-2026-27 nsw-low-income-household-rebate-2026-27 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card or Veteran Gold Card named on a NSW electricity account can claim up to $285 each financial year, or $313.50 as an embedded network customer. Retail applications are open now with no closing date published; embedded network applications close 30 June 2027. Source: NSW Climate and Energy Action. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-tesla-powerwall-2-book-aug2026 recall-tesla-powerwall-2-book-aug2026 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal The ACCC recall for the Tesla Powerwall 2 was updated on 12 August 2026 with a change to what owners should do: consumers can now contact their installer to schedule their replacement, rather than waiting to be contacted. The recall covers units available for sale from 1 November 2020 to 23 August 2025, where certain third-party lithium-ion cells may fail and overheat, with reports of units smoking or emitting flames. Replacement is at no cost. Tesla is on 1800 958 369 or PWNoticeANZ@tesla.com. PRA 2025/20611. Source: ACCC Product Safety. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#act-shs-loan act-shs-loan Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT ACT The ACT's Sustainable Household Scheme offers low-interest loans at a 3% rate with no upfront or monthly fees (a late-payment fee may apply), up to $15,000 — demand is high, so apply early. A separate zero-interest path exists for concession-card holders. Source: ACT Government. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#energy-bill-relief-fund-ended-dec2025 energy-bill-relief-fund-ended-dec2025 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal energy.gov.au states the Energy Bill Relief Fund ended on 31 December 2025. Households and eligible small businesses received up to $150 from 1 July 2025 to the end of 2025, applied automatically as two $75 quarterly instalments, following the 2024-25 program that paid households up to $300 and small businesses up to $325. Source: energy.gov.au (DCCEEW). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-seniors-energy-rebate-2026-27 nsw-seniors-energy-rebate-2026-27 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders named on a NSW electricity account can claim $200 each financial year. NSW Climate and Energy Action states applications are open now and close 30 June 2027. If you receive the Low Income Household Rebate you cannot receive this one as well. Source: NSW Climate and Energy Action. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#cefc-anz-sme-energy-finance-aug2026 cefc-anz-sme-energy-finance-aug2026 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal The Australian Government has announced an additional $150 million expanding the Clean Energy Finance Corporation's partnership with ANZ. The ANZ Energy Efficient Asset Finance Program covers rooftop solar, battery storage, electric vehicles, energy-efficient equipment and recycling technology, with ANZ and the CEFC each contributing 0.4% a year toward a combined 0.8% finance discount. Source: energy.gov.au (DCCEEW). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wildman-solar-liquidation-dividend-aug2026 wildman-solar-liquidation-dividend-aug2026 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW Wildman Plumbing and Electrical Pty Ltd (ACN 648 965 673), formerly trading as Wildman Solar, is in liquidation. The joint liquidators gave notice on 6 August 2026 that they will declare a first and final dividend on 31 August 2026, and that creditors whose claims have not already been admitted must formally prove their debts on or before 27 August 2026 or be excluded from it. Source: ASIC Published Notices. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#cer-sres-midscale-oct2026 cer-sres-midscale-oct2026 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal The Australian Government announced on 5 August 2026 that solar PV systems with a total onsite capacity between 100 kW and 1 MW will be eligible to create small-scale technology certificates. The Clean Energy Regulator says the change is intended to apply to mid-scale solar installed from 1 October 2026, subject to regulations being in place. Source: Clean Energy Regulator. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#act-gas-appliance-consultation-sep2026 act-gas-appliance-consultation-sep2026 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT ACT The ACT Government opened consultation on a discussion paper setting out regulatory options to support moving away from fossil fuel gas, including improving consumer information at point of sale, strengthening rental standards, and limiting new gas appliance installations. Consultation runs from Wednesday 5 August to Wednesday 16 September. Source: ACT Government (Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#esc-vic-veu-accreditation-cancelled-aug2026 esc-vic-veu-accreditation-cancelled-aug2026 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC The Essential Services Commission cancelled the Victorian Energy Upgrades accreditation of A.K. Alvi Enterprises Pty Ltd, alleging it kept advertising energy upgrades as an accredited business while suspended — including under a different trading name, CarbonGreens — and failed to remove the false representations. It is disqualified from reapplying for five years. Source: Essential Services Commission (Victoria). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#accc-energyaustralia-solar-sharer-aug2026 accc-energyaustralia-solar-sharer-aug2026 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal The ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking in which EnergyAustralia admits it breached the Electricity Retail Code by failing to make a Solar Sharer Offer available from 1 July 2026. It made the offer available on 3 August 2026. Solar Sharer gives eligible smart-meter households up to 24 kWh of free electricity use in a three-hour window each day — 11am–2pm in NSW and south-east Queensland, 12pm–3pm in South Australia. Source: ACCC (media release 88/26). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-synergy-additional-homes-charge-aug2026 wa-synergy-additional-homes-charge-aug2026 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA From 1 August 2026 Synergy no longer charges the Home Plan (A1) supply charge for 'additional homes' — properties containing multiple residential premises where a Western Power submeter is fed through a main meter. It falls from 46.1412 c/day to zero. The subsidiary electricity meter rental fee also drops from $0.16 to nil. Source: Synergy. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-pdrs-cert-update-apr2026 nsw-pdrs-cert-update-apr2026 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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 continues, though the program page no longer publishes a fixed dollar figure. Source: NSW Climate & Energy Action. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-veu-insulation-rules-aug2026 vic-veu-insulation-rules-aug2026 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC From 21 August 2026 accredited providers must collect a geotagged photo of the cables at the switchboard, taken by the licensed electrician doing the pre-installation electrical safety assessment. The Essential Services Commission has also confirmed an installer must hold full Certified Insulation Installer certification — provisional is not enough — and that the lead installer must be on site for the whole install. Source: Essential Services Commission (Victoria). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#qld-dmo-retailer-response-2026-27 qld-dmo-retailer-response-2026-27 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT QLD The Queensland Competition Authority reports that the 2026-27 Default Market Offer cut the annual reference bill by 7.2% for south-east Queensland residential flat rate customers, but states that a large part of the headline reduction reflected changes to the DMO methodology rather than reductions in retailers' underlying costs. In the first week of July 2026, 17 of 20 retailers had residential flat rate market offers below the DMO reference bill, and about 90% of those offers were below or at the DMO. Source: Queensland Competition Authority. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#aer-enforcement-report-2025-26 aer-enforcement-report-2025-26 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal The Australian Energy Regulator's 2025-26 compliance and enforcement report sets out penalties including $1.089 million against Alinta Energy for alleged breaches of overcharging obligations relating to Centrepay customers, and $142,800 against EnergyAustralia for alleged failures to comply with explicit informed consent and disconnection obligations. The AER has also instituted Federal Court proceedings against Origin Energy over payments received from Centrepay customers. Source: Australian Energy Regulator. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#cer-compliance-priorities-2026-27 cer-compliance-priorities-2026-27 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal The Clean Energy Regulator published its compliance and enforcement priorities for 2026-27. Of only two focused priorities, the first is that small-scale technology certificate claims must be accurate and complete; the second is that auditors deliver evidence-based audits. Accurate applications and information, and installer and retailer technical compliance, are listed as enduring priorities. Source: Clean Energy Regulator. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-covau-price-notice-fine-2026 vic-covau-price-notice-fine-2026 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC The Essential Services Commission fined CovaU $81,404 after it allegedly failed to give 5,891 customers notice of an upcoming 1 August increase to their electricity and gas rates. CovaU refunded more than $400,000. Victorian retailers may raise rates on a variable plan only once a year on a set date, which for most customers is 1 August, and must tell customers in advance. Source: Essential Services Commission (Victoria). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-ipart-retail-monitoring-2026 nsw-ipart-retail-monitoring-2026 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW IPART has opened its 2025-26 review of the NSW retail electricity and gas markets and published a consultation paper. It says it wants to hear from households among other stakeholders, and that it will continue to report on new energy products and services including virtual power plants and demand response programs. Submissions close 1 September 2026, with reports to the Minister in November 2026. Source: IPART (NSW). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-escosa-distributor-protections-2026 sa-escosa-distributor-protections-2026 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA The Essential Services Commission of South Australia has released a draft decision on consumer protections for NEM-connected electricity distributors, proposing to relocate obligations into the Small-scale Electricity Network Code and add new protections where it identifies regulatory gaps. The Commission is seeking feedback on the draft decision paper by 4 September 2026, with a final decision scheduled for November 2026. Source: ESCOSA. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-pdrs-v2g1-activity nsw-pdrs-v2g1-activity Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme Rule now contains activity V2G1, onboarding a battery electric vehicle with a demand response aggregator. NSW states it is a new activity to commence on a date to be announced by the Minister for Energy, and that more information will be published ahead of that date. Source: NSW Climate and Energy Action (Energy Security Safeguard). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-vpp-agl-transfer-2026 sa-vpp-agl-transfer-2026 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA The South Australian Government's VPP page now carries a notice stating that existing SA VPP households need to agree to transfer to AGL to keep their access to the SA VPP electricity discount. AGL took ownership of the VPP from Tesla in 2025. The discounted rate remains set at 26% below the regulated Default Market Offer. No transfer cut-off date is published. Source: SA Department for Energy and Mining. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-empowering-community-saver-2026 sa-empowering-community-saver-2026 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA The South Australian Government and AGL offer a discounted electricity plan to eligible SA Housing Trust tenants who do not have solar or a home battery, at rates 26% below the reference price. Registration is required. The department states there are no changes to your home or how you use electricity, and no lock-in contract. Source: SA Department for Energy and Mining. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#act-solar-for-apartments-2026 act-solar-for-apartments-2026 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT ACT The ACT's Solar for Apartments Program offers owners corporations up to $100,000 towards solar that benefits all residents including renters, split 50% as a grant and 50% as a zero-interest loan the owners corporation repays. To be eligible the average unimproved value of a unit must be $300,000 or less in any year from 2022, and the premises must be a completed development with a Class A unit plan. The program is co-funded up to $3.6 million under the Commonwealth Solar Banks Initiative and the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme. Source: ACT Government (Everyday Climate Choices). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#act-sustainable-apartments-program-2026 act-sustainable-apartments-program-2026 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT ACT The ACT's newly launched Sustainable Apartments Program builds on the Sustainable Apartments Pilot and offers owners corporations support that can include a comprehensive service at no cost, covering a site assessment, a tailored electrification pathway and a recommendation report. To be eligible the premises must be an apartment building with a Class A unit plan, a completed development, and must include existing gas infrastructure and appliances. Source: ACT Government (Everyday Climate Choices). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-embedded-network-rules-jul2026 nsw-embedded-network-rules-jul2026 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW From 1 July 2026 embedded network sellers in NSW must be a member of the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW if they are not already, and must publish and keep up to date on their website the services they provide, the prices they charge and the addresses they supply. Sellers providing centralised air conditioning must also publish information about the system's energy efficiency. IPART says it will monitor and enforce compliance from that date. Source: IPART (NSW). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#act-next-gen-energy-storage-closed act-next-gen-energy-storage-closed Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT ACT The ACT's Next Gen Energy Storage program has reached its target of 5,000 batteries in Canberra homes and businesses and is no longer accepting rebate applications. Everyday Climate Choices directs households to the Sustainable Household Scheme and the Home Energy Support Program instead, and businesses to the Business Energy and Water program. Source: ACT Government — Everyday Climate Choices. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-reps-vpp1-battery-activity sa-reps-vpp1-battery-activity Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA VPP1, "Connecting a New or Existing Battery to an Approved Virtual Power Plant", is a published activity specification under South Australia's Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme, alongside demand-response activities for EV chargers (EV1), heat pump water heaters (WH4), pool pumps (APP4) and air conditioners (HC2C), and for switching a household to a time-of-use tariff (TOU1). The incentive is funded and set by the obliged retailer or activity provider, not paid by the government, and the department publishes no dollar amount — it directs customers to ask their retailer or activity provider what is available. Source: SA Department for Energy and Mining. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#act-sustainable-business-program-2026 act-sustainable-business-program-2026 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT ACT The ACT's Sustainable Business Program offers businesses operating from commercial premises rebates of up to $10,000 for energy and water efficiency upgrades plus up to $3,000 for an EV charger, alongside free technical advice covering transitioning off gas, upgrading equipment, and installing solar panels and battery storage. All rebates require a co-contribution from the business. Businesses operating from residential premises are not eligible and are directed to the household programs instead. Source: ACT Government — Everyday Climate Choices. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#qld-qbest-no-longer-listed-2026 qld-qbest-no-longer-listed-2026 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT QLD Business Queensland's "Energy saving programs" page for business now lists only the Business Chamber Queensland ecoBiz service, the Queensland Ag Energy Hub and Ergon Energy and Energex support programs. The Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) rebate is not among them, and its dedicated page on energyandclimate.qld.gov.au now redirects to the Queensland Treasury home page. The last government announcement about it was the ministerial statement of 4 October 2023, which set out a $16 million program rebating up to 50 per cent of the cost of new energy-efficient equipment, capped at $12,500, on a minimum spend of $8,000 excluding GST. Source: Business Queensland. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-veu-scheduled-activity-premises vic-veu-scheduled-activity-premises Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC The Essential Services Commission states that scheduled activity premises — sites that were previously participants in the EPA's Environment and Resource Efficiency Plan program, on the basis that they were large energy-using sites — are excluded from the Victorian Energy Upgrades program unless the occupier opts in by giving written notice under the VEET Regulations. The commission maintains a public Register of Scheduled Activity Premises so businesses and accredited providers can check a site's status. Opting in is done by completing the commission's notification template and emailing it to veu@esc.vic.gov.au, after which the premises is marked "notice made". Source: Essential Services Commission. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-small-business-sustainability-support-2026 sa-small-business-sustainability-support-2026 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA The South Australian Government's Small Business Sustainability Support Program, delivered by 2XE, offers small and family businesses a free information session and a free one-on-one consultation with a sustainability advisor covering energy use, emissions and operating costs. Businesses that complete the consultation can then access a Business Sustainability Assessment at a subsidised cost of $500 excluding GST, which the department says identifies actions to reduce emissions and sets out the return on investment. Free Small Business Sustainability Workshops are also being run across the state. Source: Government of South Australia — Department of State Development. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-powering-business-grant-closed-2026 sa-powering-business-grant-closed-2026 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA business.sa.gov.au states that applications for the Powering Business Grant have now closed. The grant supported eligible small and medium businesses and not-for-profits to upgrade to more energy-efficient systems to reduce and manage energy use and costs, and was funded under the South Australian Government's $154.2 million Business Growth Fund. Source: Government of South Australia — Department of State Development. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#tas-powersmart-small-business-2026 tas-powersmart-small-business-2026 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT TAS ReCFIT's PowerSmart for Small Business program reimburses Tasmanian small businesses up to $1,000 for an energy audit, and is open for applications through SmartyGrants. ReCFIT lists up to $450,000 in annual funding for four years depending on uptake, lets businesses choose their own energy auditor with no accredited provider list, and offers the option of having a proposed audit scope pre-approved as eligible before the audit is undertaken. The grant is claimed after the audit by submitting the report and invoice. Source: ReCFIT (Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-pdrs-wh1-removed-jul2026 nsw-pdrs-wh1-removed-jul2026 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#battery-stc-factor-jan2027 battery-stc-factor-jan2027 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#stc-deeming-4yr-2027 stc-deeming-4yr-2027 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#aemc-flexible-trading-nov2026 aemc-flexible-trading-nov2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-hardship-protections-oct2026 vic-hardship-protections-oct2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-pdrs-bess345-sep2026 nsw-pdrs-bess345-sep2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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. NSW now publishes what the discount is worth: about 30 to 40 per cent off the cost of a battery installed together with new or additional solar, or about 20 to 30 per cent for a battery on its own, delivered as an upfront discount in the installer's quote. Eligible batteries run from 20 kWh to 30 MWh; residential buildings and data centres are excluded. To get the higher rate, new solar must be installed within 90 days either side of the battery and must be at least 25 per cent of the new battery's capacity. Source: NSW Climate and Energy Action (Energy Security Safeguard). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#cer-installer-enforcement-jul2026 cer-installer-enforcement-jul2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#cer-national-technical-regulator-jul2026 cer-national-technical-regulator-jul2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-solar-apartments-dec2026 nsw-solar-apartments-dec2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-loyalty-tax-2026 vic-loyalty-tax-2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#qld-electricity-rebate-2026 qld-electricity-rebate-2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT QLD 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-energy-concession-2026 sa-energy-concession-2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nt-solar-multi-dwellings-grant nt-solar-multi-dwellings-grant Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NT 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-pdrs-bess1-chbp-stack-jul2026 nsw-pdrs-bess1-chbp-stack-jul2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-solar-homes-supervision-cyber-jul2026 vic-solar-homes-supervision-cyber-jul2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#tas-prices-2026-27 tas-prices-2026-27 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT TAS 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#tas-fit-2026-27 tas-fit-2026-27 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT TAS 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#tas-flat-rate-tariffs-jul2026 tas-flat-rate-tariffs-jul2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT TAS 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#qld-regional-prices-2026-27 qld-regional-prices-2026-27 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT QLD 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#qld-regional-fit-2026-27 qld-regional-fit-2026-27 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT QLD 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-prices-2026-27 wa-prices-2026-27 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-debs-unchanged-2026-27 wa-debs-unchanged-2026-27 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-concessions-up-10pc-2026 wa-concessions-up-10pc-2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nt-rates-2026-27 nt-rates-2026-27 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NT 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#home-energy-rating-jul2026 home-energy-rating-jul2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-veu-induction-cooktop-2026 vic-veu-induction-cooktop-2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-aupk-ev-charger-jun2026 recall-aupk-ev-charger-jun2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-veu-hera-paused-jun2026 vic-veu-hera-paused-jun2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-ineligible-retailers-jun2026 vic-ineligible-retailers-jun2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-battery-standards-jun2026 wa-battery-standards-jun2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#act-home-energy-support-extended-2026 act-home-energy-support-extended-2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT ACT 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#arena-v2g-amber-jun2026 arena-v2g-amber-jun2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-battery-inspection-wait-may2026 vic-battery-inspection-wait-may2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-solar-liquidations-mar2026 vic-solar-liquidations-mar2026 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-ariston-heat-pump-2025 recall-ariston-heat-pump-2025 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-schott-solar-panels-2025 recall-schott-solar-panels-2025 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-lg-ess-batteries recall-lg-ess-batteries Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nt-battery-scheme nt-battery-scheme Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NT 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-hot-water-rebate-2026-27 vic-hot-water-rebate-2026-27 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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. Both are paid as 50% of the purchase price after STCs and VEECs, so a cheaper system returns less than the cap. Installation must be finalised within 120 days of approval. Source: Solar Victoria. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#act-shs-cap-solar-change-jul2026 act-shs-cap-solar-change-jul2026 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT ACT 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#dmo-2026-27 dmo-2026-27 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#solar-sharer-jul2026 solar-sharer-jul2026 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vdo-2026-27 vdo-2026-27 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#ipart-fit-2026-27 ipart-fit-2026-27 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-home-energy-saver-loans-2026 nsw-home-energy-saver-loans-2026 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-hes-discounts-coming-2026 nsw-hes-discounts-coming-2026 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#chbp-tiered-stc-may2026 chbp-tiered-stc-may2026 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-battery-tech-reqs-may2026 wa-battery-tech-reqs-may2026 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-pv-rebate-1400 vic-pv-rebate-1400 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC Solar Victoria's $1,400 PV rebate plus an interest-free matching loan remain available, released in monthly intakes. Source: Solar Victoria. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-solar-homes-battery-loan-closed vic-solar-homes-battery-loan-closed Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nsw-pdrs-vpp-required nsw-pdrs-vpp-required Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-residential-battery-scheme wa-residential-battery-scheme Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT WA 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-tesla-powerwall-2 recall-tesla-powerwall-2 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#stc-deeming-5yr-2026 stc-deeming-5yr-2026 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#chbp-funding-increase-dec2025 chbp-funding-increase-dec2025 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-sigenergy-ec-nov2025 recall-sigenergy-ec-nov2025 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-goodwe-ehb-geh-sep2025 recall-goodwe-ehb-geh-sep2025 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#tas-energy-saver-loan tas-energy-saver-loan Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT TAS 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nt-peak-fit-jul2025 nt-peak-fit-jul2025 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NT 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#chbp-launch-jul2025 chbp-launch-jul2025 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-min-fit-abolished-jul2025 vic-min-fit-abolished-jul2025 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#dmo-2025-26 dmo-2025-26 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vdo-2025-26 vdo-2025-26 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#ipart-fit-2025-26 ipart-fit-2025-26 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NSW 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). https://missiongreen.com.au/news#vic-pv-income-cap-jul2026 vic-pv-income-cap-jul2026 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT VIC 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nt-residential-tariff-threshold-jul2026 nt-residential-tariff-threshold-jul2026 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT NT From 1 July 2026 the NT residential electricity tariff applies to the first 164 kWh used each day, averaged over the billing period; usage above that is charged at the commercial tariff. NT Treasury says most households are unaffected — it puts a single-adult household at about 11 kWh a day, a couple at 23 and a family at 27 — and names the customers who may be caught: properties with unusually high use, properties where multiple households share one meter, homes running a business on the same meter, and some high-demand rural properties. Prepaid Powercard customers in remote communities are not affected. Source: NT Department of Treasury and Finance. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#ato-instant-asset-writeoff-not-law-2026-27 ato-instant-asset-writeoff-not-law-2026-27 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Federal The ATO states that on 12 May 2026, as part of the 2026-27 Budget, the Government announced it will permanently increase the small business instant asset write-off to $20,000 from 1 July 2026 — and that "This measure is not yet law." The limit applies per asset for businesses with aggregated turnover under $10 million. The earlier extension covering 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 was legislated and is law. Assets costing $20,000 or more go into the small business pool and depreciate at 15% in the first year and 30% after. Source: Australian Taxation Office. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#qld-fast-payback qld-fast-payback Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT QLD High peak-sun hours and rising electricity tariffs make Queensland solar-and-battery payback among the fastest in the country. Source: Mission Green analysis. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#qld-battery-booster-ended qld-battery-booster-ended Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT QLD 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-high-tariff-payback sa-high-tariff-payback Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA South Australia has Australia's highest residential electricity tariffs, which makes home-battery payback exceptional. Source: Mission Green analysis. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-home-battery-scheme-closed sa-home-battery-scheme-closed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA SA's Home Battery Scheme closed in 2022; the federal CHBP combined with a VPP is now the active path. Source: SA Government. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#tas-heatpump-payback tas-heatpump-payback Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT TAS 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. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#act-electrification-leader act-electrification-leader Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT ACT The ACT remains Australia's most electrification-friendly territory, with strong support for moving homes off gas. Source: Mission Green analysis. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#sa-reps-scheme-2026-2030 sa-reps-scheme-2026-2030 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT SA The Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme obliges SA energy retailers to deliver energy productivity activities to homes and businesses — the department's current activity specifications cover ceiling insulation, building sealing, secondary glazing, efficient reverse-cycle and evaporative air conditioning, water heater upgrades and showerheads, efficient appliances and pool pumps, switching to a time-of-use tariff, and connecting a battery, EV charger, heat pump water heater, pool pump or air conditioner to an approved demand-response aggregator or virtual power plant. Productivity targets for the second five-year period, 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030, were gazetted on 24 December 2025 and are apportioned to obliged retailers by ESCOSA. The department says retailers choose which activities they offer, and sets them separate priority-group targets for delivering to vulnerable customers. Note the LED lighting activities LF1, L2 and L3 were revoked effective 1 January 2026. Source: SA Department for Energy and Mining. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#nt-time-of-use-tariffs-jan2026 nt-time-of-use-tariffs-jan2026 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT NT Optional time-of-use tariffs became available to eligible NT households and small businesses from 1 January 2026, charging different rates depending on the time of day. NT Treasury says they may help customers cut costs by shifting use to lower-demand periods, including daylight hours when solar generation is highest, and directs customers to their electricity retailer for the available options. Source: NT Department of Treasury and Finance. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#wa-charge-up-workplace-round3-closed wa-charge-up-workplace-round3-closed Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT WA Energy Policy WA states that Round 3 of the Charge Up Workplace EV Charging Grants, which ran from 8 October 2024, "has now closed" as of 30 June 2025, and the page announces no new round. The scheme co-funded up to 50 per cent of the cost of workplace chargers from 7 kW to 350 kW for small and medium businesses, not-for-profits and local government authorities, at up to four chargers per site and five sites per applicant. Source: Energy Policy WA. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-jinko-suntank-hybrid-inverter recall-jinko-suntank-hybrid-inverter Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT Federal The Jinko Solar SunTank JKS-5HLVS-ABI single-phase 5 kW hybrid inverter was supplied with an emergency power supply plug that can be removed without a tool, exposing live terminals and risking serious injury or death from electric shock. The ACCC notice (PRA 2023/20012) tells consumers to switch the inverter off immediately, not to remove the EPS plug, and to contact Jinko Solar Australia on 1300 326 182 or bess_au@jinkosolar.com to have the plug permanently secured. Source: ACCC Product Safety. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-goodwe-ms30-inverters recall-goodwe-ms30-inverters Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT Federal GoodWe GW5000-MS-30, GW6000-MS-30, GW8500-MS-30 and GW10K-MS-30 inverters were supplied with an AC plug that can be removed without a tool, exposing live terminals and risking serious injury or death from electric shock. The notice, last updated 24 July 2024, tells owners not to remove the AC plug, to switch the inverter off at the AC isolator and main switch, and to contact the GoodWe recall team on 1300 508 449 or support@goodwerecall.com.au. Sold 13 May 2023 to 16 November 2023. Source: ACCC Product Safety. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-growatt-sph-inverters recall-growatt-sph-inverters Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT Federal Growatt SPH3000TL, SPH3600TL, SPH4000TL, SPH4600TL, SPH5000TL and SPH6000TL BL-UP inverters have an EPS port plug that can be removed by hand, giving access to live hazardous voltage and risking serious injury or death from electric shock. The ACCC notice (PRA 2023/19974) tells owners to switch the inverter off immediately and contact Growatt Australia on 1800 476 928 or australia@ginverter.com to have the connector permanently secured. Sold 1 July 2022 to 31 October 2023. Source: ACCC Product Safety. https://missiongreen.com.au/news#recall-solax-lg-gen2-ess recall-solax-lg-gen2-ess Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT Federal LG S/A Gen2 home energy storage batteries supplied by SolaX Power Aus, including those installed inside SolaX X-Cabinet, PowerStation and Opal Storage systems, may overheat and catch fire. The ACCC recall, last updated 27 May 2024, tells affected owners to immediately switch off the battery storage system and keep it switched off. Batteries were sold 1 April 2017 to 31 July 2018. SolaX is on 1300 476 529 or lgrecall@solaxpower.com.au. Source: ACCC Product Safety.