Competition watchdog confirms it is investigating REA Group
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on Thursday said it did not normally comment on ongoing investigations because they are confidential. In this case, it made an exception.
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The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- The Advertiser
1400 batteries in a day: Aussies soak up solar subsidy
Australian households are installing solar batteries at record rates, with more than 19,000 registered in a month. Figures released on Friday by market analysis firm SunWiz indicated consumers could more than double the number of home batteries installed in a single year, with NSW households leading the pack. The unprecedented adoption comes one month after the launch of the federal government's $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which offered discounts of 30 per cent on the technology. But buyers might need greater protections to prevent providers from exploiting the popularity of the scheme, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned, and should compare several quotes before joining the trend. Analysis of the first month of the scheme showed more than 19,000 households registered batteries, SunWiz managing director Warwick Johnston said, peaking at 1400 batteries added in a single day. "In just one week, Australians installed more battery capacity than in the entire first two months of 2024," he said. If installations continued at the same pace, he said, households could install more than 220,000 batteries this year, up from 72,500 in 2024. Home batteries installed during July were also larger than typical, with an average capacity of 17 kilowatt-hours compared to between 10 and 12kWh. "Many households recognise this may be a one-time opportunity to access a significant subsidy and they're using it to invest in larger batteries," Mr Johnston said. Households in NSW made up more than a third of those to register batteries under the scheme (38 per cent), followed by Queensland (23 per cent) and South Australia (15 per cent). Most consumers installing batteries already used solar panels. The figures were revealed as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its Electricity Inquiry Report, which found households with solar panels and a battery installed saved an average of 40 per cent on energy bills. Typical electricity users paid $1565 per year for electricity, the report found, while those with both a battery and solar power paid $936. But greater safeguards should be introduced to protect consumers as demand for battery installations increased, commissioner Anna Brakey warned, and the commission would closely scrutinise businesses and offers. "We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," she said. "Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straightaway." The government would hold consultations into retail price protections and cross-market manipulation following the report, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said. Australian households are installing solar batteries at record rates, with more than 19,000 registered in a month. Figures released on Friday by market analysis firm SunWiz indicated consumers could more than double the number of home batteries installed in a single year, with NSW households leading the pack. The unprecedented adoption comes one month after the launch of the federal government's $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which offered discounts of 30 per cent on the technology. But buyers might need greater protections to prevent providers from exploiting the popularity of the scheme, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned, and should compare several quotes before joining the trend. Analysis of the first month of the scheme showed more than 19,000 households registered batteries, SunWiz managing director Warwick Johnston said, peaking at 1400 batteries added in a single day. "In just one week, Australians installed more battery capacity than in the entire first two months of 2024," he said. If installations continued at the same pace, he said, households could install more than 220,000 batteries this year, up from 72,500 in 2024. Home batteries installed during July were also larger than typical, with an average capacity of 17 kilowatt-hours compared to between 10 and 12kWh. "Many households recognise this may be a one-time opportunity to access a significant subsidy and they're using it to invest in larger batteries," Mr Johnston said. Households in NSW made up more than a third of those to register batteries under the scheme (38 per cent), followed by Queensland (23 per cent) and South Australia (15 per cent). Most consumers installing batteries already used solar panels. The figures were revealed as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its Electricity Inquiry Report, which found households with solar panels and a battery installed saved an average of 40 per cent on energy bills. Typical electricity users paid $1565 per year for electricity, the report found, while those with both a battery and solar power paid $936. But greater safeguards should be introduced to protect consumers as demand for battery installations increased, commissioner Anna Brakey warned, and the commission would closely scrutinise businesses and offers. "We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," she said. "Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straightaway." The government would hold consultations into retail price protections and cross-market manipulation following the report, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said. Australian households are installing solar batteries at record rates, with more than 19,000 registered in a month. Figures released on Friday by market analysis firm SunWiz indicated consumers could more than double the number of home batteries installed in a single year, with NSW households leading the pack. The unprecedented adoption comes one month after the launch of the federal government's $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which offered discounts of 30 per cent on the technology. But buyers might need greater protections to prevent providers from exploiting the popularity of the scheme, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned, and should compare several quotes before joining the trend. Analysis of the first month of the scheme showed more than 19,000 households registered batteries, SunWiz managing director Warwick Johnston said, peaking at 1400 batteries added in a single day. "In just one week, Australians installed more battery capacity than in the entire first two months of 2024," he said. If installations continued at the same pace, he said, households could install more than 220,000 batteries this year, up from 72,500 in 2024. Home batteries installed during July were also larger than typical, with an average capacity of 17 kilowatt-hours compared to between 10 and 12kWh. "Many households recognise this may be a one-time opportunity to access a significant subsidy and they're using it to invest in larger batteries," Mr Johnston said. Households in NSW made up more than a third of those to register batteries under the scheme (38 per cent), followed by Queensland (23 per cent) and South Australia (15 per cent). Most consumers installing batteries already used solar panels. The figures were revealed as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its Electricity Inquiry Report, which found households with solar panels and a battery installed saved an average of 40 per cent on energy bills. Typical electricity users paid $1565 per year for electricity, the report found, while those with both a battery and solar power paid $936. But greater safeguards should be introduced to protect consumers as demand for battery installations increased, commissioner Anna Brakey warned, and the commission would closely scrutinise businesses and offers. "We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," she said. "Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straightaway." The government would hold consultations into retail price protections and cross-market manipulation following the report, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said. Australian households are installing solar batteries at record rates, with more than 19,000 registered in a month. Figures released on Friday by market analysis firm SunWiz indicated consumers could more than double the number of home batteries installed in a single year, with NSW households leading the pack. The unprecedented adoption comes one month after the launch of the federal government's $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which offered discounts of 30 per cent on the technology. But buyers might need greater protections to prevent providers from exploiting the popularity of the scheme, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned, and should compare several quotes before joining the trend. Analysis of the first month of the scheme showed more than 19,000 households registered batteries, SunWiz managing director Warwick Johnston said, peaking at 1400 batteries added in a single day. "In just one week, Australians installed more battery capacity than in the entire first two months of 2024," he said. If installations continued at the same pace, he said, households could install more than 220,000 batteries this year, up from 72,500 in 2024. Home batteries installed during July were also larger than typical, with an average capacity of 17 kilowatt-hours compared to between 10 and 12kWh. "Many households recognise this may be a one-time opportunity to access a significant subsidy and they're using it to invest in larger batteries," Mr Johnston said. Households in NSW made up more than a third of those to register batteries under the scheme (38 per cent), followed by Queensland (23 per cent) and South Australia (15 per cent). Most consumers installing batteries already used solar panels. The figures were revealed as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its Electricity Inquiry Report, which found households with solar panels and a battery installed saved an average of 40 per cent on energy bills. Typical electricity users paid $1565 per year for electricity, the report found, while those with both a battery and solar power paid $936. But greater safeguards should be introduced to protect consumers as demand for battery installations increased, commissioner Anna Brakey warned, and the commission would closely scrutinise businesses and offers. "We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," she said. "Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straightaway." The government would hold consultations into retail price protections and cross-market manipulation following the report, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.
Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Perth Now
1400 batteries in a day: Aussies soak up solar subsidy
Australian households are installing solar batteries at record rates, with more than 19,000 registered in a month. Figures released on Friday by market analysis firm SunWiz indicated consumers could more than double the number of home batteries installed in a single year, with NSW households leading the pack. The unprecedented adoption comes one month after the launch of the federal government's $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which offered discounts of 30 per cent on the technology. But buyers might need greater protections to prevent providers from exploiting the popularity of the scheme, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned, and should compare several quotes before joining the trend. Analysis of the first month of the scheme showed more than 19,000 households registered batteries, SunWiz managing director Warwick Johnston said, peaking at 1400 batteries added in a single day. "In just one week, Australians installed more battery capacity than in the entire first two months of 2024," he said. If installations continued at the same pace, he said, households could install more than 220,000 batteries this year, up from 72,500 in 2024. Home batteries installed during July were also larger than typical, with an average capacity of 17 kilowatt-hours compared to between 10 and 12kWh. "Many households recognise this may be a one-time opportunity to access a significant subsidy and they're using it to invest in larger batteries," Mr Johnston said. Households in NSW made up more than a third of those to register batteries under the scheme (38 per cent), followed by Queensland (23 per cent) and South Australia (15 per cent). Most consumers installing batteries already used solar panels. The figures were revealed as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its Electricity Inquiry Report, which found households with solar panels and a battery installed saved an average of 40 per cent on energy bills. Typical electricity users paid $1565 per year for electricity, the report found, while those with both a battery and solar power paid $936. But greater safeguards should be introduced to protect consumers as demand for battery installations increased, commissioner Anna Brakey warned, and the commission would closely scrutinise businesses and offers. "We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," she said. "Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straightaway." The government would hold consultations into retail price protections and cross-market manipulation following the report, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.
The Advertiser
17 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Battery and solar uptake: consumer watchdog puts energy industry on notice
Solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers have been put on notice, as a new report shows those with the technology are paying as much as 63 per cent less each year. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the industry must meet scrutiny as uptake of the technology increases, with new government subsidies taking effect, and ensure they are working in the interest of households. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said it was "important that the deals on offer are fair, accurate and easy to understand." "The ACCC will be watching carefully and actively monitoring consumer complaints. We will hold solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers accountable to ensure they comply with Australia's consumer laws," Ms Brakely said. "Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills, should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straight away," Ms Brakey said. The government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program came into effect on July 1, 2005, and provides a discount of around 30 per cent to households, businesses and community organisations. The ACCC's National Electricity Market report, released on August 1, analysed customer outcomes and competition for new energy services for the first time. The report supported calls for new consumer protections to safeguard those purchasing solar and battery systems and to new services like energy-sharing virtual power plants. "We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," Ms Brakey said. The report also looked at energy cost and found that households with solar and a home battery paid around 40 per cent less, $936, than the median annual residential electricity bill without rebates, $1,565. The household with rooftop solar paid about 18 per cent less, $1,279 per year. The biggest savings were for homes connected to an energy-sharing virtual power plant, which paid about 63 per cent less, $580, than the median household. "Home solar and batteries continue to be a compelling option for Australians who can afford the upfront cost, with those who are connected to a virtual power plant saving up to almost $1000 off their annual bill," ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said. The report also found that government rebates brought the median quarterly household power bill down by 21 per cent between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024, and bills would have risen by four per cent without them. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the report showed "households are starting to reap the benefits of a fairer energy system". "But we're not going to let any opportunity to keep on fixing the energy market pass us by," he said. "Australians deserve a fairer go when it comes to their energy bills - whether it's cracking down on dodgy retailers or making it easier for more people to access rooftop solar and home batteries." "In our second term, we're getting on with strengthening consumer protections, so that no household or business pays more than they should." The ACCC said people should visit the Australian Government's Solar Consumer Guide, compare quotes and ask for personalised information when looking at installing a new system. Solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers have been put on notice, as a new report shows those with the technology are paying as much as 63 per cent less each year. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the industry must meet scrutiny as uptake of the technology increases, with new government subsidies taking effect, and ensure they are working in the interest of households. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said it was "important that the deals on offer are fair, accurate and easy to understand." "The ACCC will be watching carefully and actively monitoring consumer complaints. We will hold solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers accountable to ensure they comply with Australia's consumer laws," Ms Brakely said. "Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills, should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straight away," Ms Brakey said. The government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program came into effect on July 1, 2005, and provides a discount of around 30 per cent to households, businesses and community organisations. The ACCC's National Electricity Market report, released on August 1, analysed customer outcomes and competition for new energy services for the first time. The report supported calls for new consumer protections to safeguard those purchasing solar and battery systems and to new services like energy-sharing virtual power plants. "We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," Ms Brakey said. The report also looked at energy cost and found that households with solar and a home battery paid around 40 per cent less, $936, than the median annual residential electricity bill without rebates, $1,565. The household with rooftop solar paid about 18 per cent less, $1,279 per year. The biggest savings were for homes connected to an energy-sharing virtual power plant, which paid about 63 per cent less, $580, than the median household. "Home solar and batteries continue to be a compelling option for Australians who can afford the upfront cost, with those who are connected to a virtual power plant saving up to almost $1000 off their annual bill," ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said. The report also found that government rebates brought the median quarterly household power bill down by 21 per cent between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024, and bills would have risen by four per cent without them. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the report showed "households are starting to reap the benefits of a fairer energy system". "But we're not going to let any opportunity to keep on fixing the energy market pass us by," he said. "Australians deserve a fairer go when it comes to their energy bills - whether it's cracking down on dodgy retailers or making it easier for more people to access rooftop solar and home batteries." "In our second term, we're getting on with strengthening consumer protections, so that no household or business pays more than they should." The ACCC said people should visit the Australian Government's Solar Consumer Guide, compare quotes and ask for personalised information when looking at installing a new system. Solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers have been put on notice, as a new report shows those with the technology are paying as much as 63 per cent less each year. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the industry must meet scrutiny as uptake of the technology increases, with new government subsidies taking effect, and ensure they are working in the interest of households. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said it was "important that the deals on offer are fair, accurate and easy to understand." "The ACCC will be watching carefully and actively monitoring consumer complaints. We will hold solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers accountable to ensure they comply with Australia's consumer laws," Ms Brakely said. "Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills, should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straight away," Ms Brakey said. The government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program came into effect on July 1, 2005, and provides a discount of around 30 per cent to households, businesses and community organisations. The ACCC's National Electricity Market report, released on August 1, analysed customer outcomes and competition for new energy services for the first time. The report supported calls for new consumer protections to safeguard those purchasing solar and battery systems and to new services like energy-sharing virtual power plants. "We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," Ms Brakey said. The report also looked at energy cost and found that households with solar and a home battery paid around 40 per cent less, $936, than the median annual residential electricity bill without rebates, $1,565. The household with rooftop solar paid about 18 per cent less, $1,279 per year. The biggest savings were for homes connected to an energy-sharing virtual power plant, which paid about 63 per cent less, $580, than the median household. "Home solar and batteries continue to be a compelling option for Australians who can afford the upfront cost, with those who are connected to a virtual power plant saving up to almost $1000 off their annual bill," ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said. The report also found that government rebates brought the median quarterly household power bill down by 21 per cent between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024, and bills would have risen by four per cent without them. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the report showed "households are starting to reap the benefits of a fairer energy system". "But we're not going to let any opportunity to keep on fixing the energy market pass us by," he said. "Australians deserve a fairer go when it comes to their energy bills - whether it's cracking down on dodgy retailers or making it easier for more people to access rooftop solar and home batteries." "In our second term, we're getting on with strengthening consumer protections, so that no household or business pays more than they should." The ACCC said people should visit the Australian Government's Solar Consumer Guide, compare quotes and ask for personalised information when looking at installing a new system. Solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers have been put on notice, as a new report shows those with the technology are paying as much as 63 per cent less each year. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the industry must meet scrutiny as uptake of the technology increases, with new government subsidies taking effect, and ensure they are working in the interest of households. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said it was "important that the deals on offer are fair, accurate and easy to understand." "The ACCC will be watching carefully and actively monitoring consumer complaints. We will hold solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers accountable to ensure they comply with Australia's consumer laws," Ms Brakely said. "Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills, should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straight away," Ms Brakey said. The government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program came into effect on July 1, 2005, and provides a discount of around 30 per cent to households, businesses and community organisations. The ACCC's National Electricity Market report, released on August 1, analysed customer outcomes and competition for new energy services for the first time. The report supported calls for new consumer protections to safeguard those purchasing solar and battery systems and to new services like energy-sharing virtual power plants. "We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," Ms Brakey said. The report also looked at energy cost and found that households with solar and a home battery paid around 40 per cent less, $936, than the median annual residential electricity bill without rebates, $1,565. The household with rooftop solar paid about 18 per cent less, $1,279 per year. The biggest savings were for homes connected to an energy-sharing virtual power plant, which paid about 63 per cent less, $580, than the median household. "Home solar and batteries continue to be a compelling option for Australians who can afford the upfront cost, with those who are connected to a virtual power plant saving up to almost $1000 off their annual bill," ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said. The report also found that government rebates brought the median quarterly household power bill down by 21 per cent between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024, and bills would have risen by four per cent without them. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the report showed "households are starting to reap the benefits of a fairer energy system". "But we're not going to let any opportunity to keep on fixing the energy market pass us by," he said. "Australians deserve a fairer go when it comes to their energy bills - whether it's cracking down on dodgy retailers or making it easier for more people to access rooftop solar and home batteries." "In our second term, we're getting on with strengthening consumer protections, so that no household or business pays more than they should." The ACCC said people should visit the Australian Government's Solar Consumer Guide, compare quotes and ask for personalised information when looking at installing a new system.
