Morrison’s energy efficiency plan: small step forward but giant leap necessary 28 February 2019
The Energy Efficiency Council has welcomed the Morrison Government’s commitment of $67 million for energy efficiency programs, but says that far more needs to be done to bring down energy bills.
“We agree with Energy Minister Angus Taylor – action on energy efficiency is essential to cut energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Given that, the Morrison Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program is a welcome start, but far more needs to be done,” said Luke Menzel, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council.
The Morrison Government today announced $67 million for energy efficiency measures. $17 million will fund a range of sensible measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and appliances. $50 million will fund a new Energy Efficient Communities Program that will provide grants of up to $25,000 to up to 2,500 businesses and community organisations to help them save energy.
“While welcome, the Government’s commitment is just the first step in the investment we need to really support Australian homes and businesses. The NSW Government alone has committed almost four times as much to energy efficiency programs as the Morrison Government has in this announcement.”
“Ramping up ambition on energy efficiency could cut households’ and businesses’ energy bills by over 30 per cent, saving them $7.7 billion a year,” said Luke Menzel.
“The Energy Efficiency Council is delighted that we now have bipartisan recognition of the importance of energy efficiency. However, if we really want to cut energy bills, we need both sides of politics to commit to a multi-billion dollar package on energy efficiency that includes:
- $500 million in grants to help manufacturers save energy;
- Help to improve vulnerable households’ homes;
- Upgrading schools, hospitals and other government buildings around the country to improve services and lower their energy bills;
- Informing and protecting home buyers and renters by setting minimum standards for rental properties and rating the energy efficiency of homes when they’re sold and leased; and
- A timeline to introduce fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles, which were promised many years ago.
Media contact
Rob Murray-Leach
T: 0414 065 556
E: rob.murray-leach@eec.org.au