Unexpected home improvements reduce Australia’s energy bills by thousands each year

Australians are conscious of their household budgets and this one unexpected move can save homeowners an average of almost $3,000 a year.

As National Energy Bill Relief draws to a close – a temporary relief for Australians struggling with energy prices – homeowners are taking action and benefiting from another government rebate that will help them keep costs down now and for years to come.

Australia has a home battery push and is no longer driven by a “green” agenda, but due to the need to reduce debt and existing home owners can qualify for the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Aussies are taking high energy bills into their own hands and taking advantage of huge savings through the government rebate. Photos: Provided

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More than 200,000 households have installed home batteries since the introduction of the government rebate, with most of the energy in suburban and rural areas, according to clean energy company Plico and federal data.

The rebate program has been a big incentive for many families to participate, especially if it means big savings on electricity bills.

Plico’s input data shows that in the average three-person household, homeowners save an average of $488 on monthly electric bills. That equates to more than $2,900 in annual savings.

The very popular Plico 20kw battery that used to set you back around $15,000 is now around $9,000 with a government rebate.

Dee Molloy wanted to be able to use his appliances at any time of the day without worrying about huge energy bills.

He previously switched to time-of-use money to reduce debt, but it meant we had to be more careful with our energy use.

Dee Molloy made a change to the battery installation.

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“We wanted the freedom to use the air conditioner when it’s hot, not when electricity is cheap,” he said.

Having a battery saves me time and works with my busy schedule, as I can use my electronics when it’s convenient for me. I’m also happy to use less coal-fired power on the grid.”

Before replacing her battery in 2023, Ms. Molloy averaged $200-$230 in electric bills each month. Now, they are in debt.

“Between our solar deployment payments and government bills, we’re also ahead of our electricity bill this summer,” he said.

“Our bills are less than $45 a month when we are out of debt, so we save about $200 a month.

“Most of what we pay is the service charge and not our use of electricity, our electricity consumption has decreased by 93 percent, which I am happy about.

Ms Molloy pays for her system every month for about $150 a month, instead of paying an upfront fee – which is cheaper than her bills were before the installation.

“We use more energy and keep the house more comfortable, while paying much less on our mortgages.

“We’ve never looked back. When the battery went out it saved us … at a discount these days it’s hard work to get solar and battery.”

Plico CEO Robbie Campbell said landlords are taking advantage of the discount.

“Because electricity costs have increased significantly in the last one to two years, people are definitely looking for solutions.”

Plico chief Robbie Campbell. Photos: Provided

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He said home owners can expect a return on their investment in building energy conservation within three to six years of installation.

“If you have a solar system, you want the battery to absorb the solar energy during the day, so that the house can use it at night, so any electricity you use from the battery at night is the one that saves customers,” he said.

“Depending on how much electricity they use at night, it could be between three and six years of payback on that battery, as the (battery) prices are very low.”

For Australians who can’t afford upfront installation, Plico offers a monthly payment plan and can earn quick cash while paying off the system.

Batteries save Aussie families an average of almost $3,000 a year. Photos: Provided

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“When you pay it, you are directly comparing what you pay for electricity and what you were paying before. Say $150 a month (in payment) but if you pay $200 on that bill you can estimate that I save $50.”

Plico recorded a five-fold increase in battery size between December 2024 and December 2025, reflecting the growing desire of households to store more energy and rely less on the grid, a trend that is now being addressed through the adjustment of the rebate system.

Single-family homes, as well as two- to three-bedroom homes, are the most common homes and the right people are taking advantage of this opportunity, according to Mr Campbell.

“Young families, but also some older parents with older or older children playing, on their PCs or watching a lot of TV.

Many consumers consider solar and battery as a money saving tool. Photos: Provided

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“Early adopters were all about green, saving the planet, now 95 percent of our customers say it’s a value proposition.”

These homes and new housing estates and middle income families are leading the charge to reduce energy bills and future proof their homes.

In Sydney, this industry is led by the suburbs of the Hills District of Sydney (Beaumont Hills, Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge, North Kellyville, and Rouse Hill), according to new data from the association and Plico.

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