14 October 2024
No backward steps: Nation leading climate action will continue under Labor 

Labor will maintain the Territory’s status as the national leader on climate action by expanding the Big Canberra Battery program and continuing the popular Sustainable Household Scheme.
 
These signature projects represent the type of progressive, practical and proven policy that has made the ACT a national leader on climate action, supporting more Canberra households to benefit from a low emission future and providing reliable and affordable energy security for Canberra’s future. 
 
And it’s the type of reform that will continue under a re-elected Labor Government.
 
In the next term of Government, Labor will deliver a further 250MW utility scale battery in the ACT. This would be delivered through either a revenue share or virtual storage agreement with a private provider, similar to the arrangement that has been delivered in this term with Eku Energy. 
 
This investment will:

• Generate revenue for the Territory
• Support more reliable and affordable electricity supply which puts further downward pressure on electricity prices
• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the National Electricity Market
• Increase local employment in the renewable energy sector

The ongoing investment in the Big Canberra Battery complements the continuation of the Sustainable Household Scheme, another practical and proven policy introduced by Labor which is saving tens of thousands of Canberra households on their energy bills. 
 
The Sustainable Household Scheme will continue under a re-elected Labor Government, with a further $75 million in loan capital to continue the scheme. It’s a practical way to reduce the Territory’s impact on climate change and save Canberrans money on their energy bills. The scheme has already delivered $51.6 million in savings on household bills to date.
 
We will also continue the transition to a low-emission public transport network for Canberra by purchasing 110 new electric buses, as well as the construction of the next stage of Canberra light rail network, powered by 100% renewable electricity.
 
Canberrans should be proud of the Territory’s track record on nation-leading reforms. We were the first Australian jurisdiction to be powered by 100% renewable electricity, and we are leading the way on the transition to zero emission technology.
 
These policies are part of Labor’s practical, proven and progressive plan for Canberra.

Statement ends

Media contact:
Kaarin Dynon    0422 772 215   [email protected]