From July 2, electricity prices in WA increased by 2.5%. That might not sound like much, but it adds up.

“A single person might see their bill jump from $237 to $243,” says Simon Chan from Renoz Energy. “A family of four might go from $382 to almost $400.”

That increase includes both the daily supply charge and the per-kilowatt usage rate.

Easy Ways to Reduce Your Energy Use

You may not be able to control the supply charge but you can cut your usage. “Every kilowatt hour you save is 32 cents off your bill,” Simon explains.

Start small. Swap out old light bulbs for LEDs. Choose energy-efficient appliances when your old ones need replacing. Avoid unnecessary upgrades that don’t reduce your bill long-term.

What About Solar and Batteries?

About 500,000 WA homes already have solar panels. But only 4% have batteries. “Think of batteries like water tanks,” says Simon. “You can’t control when it rains, but you can store it for later.”

A battery stores excess solar power to use after dark when power is most expensive. It also gives you energy resilience during outages.

Big Government Push for Home Batteries

WA’s goal? Add 100,000 new home batteries to the grid. That would boost the state’s energy storage by one gigawatt hour.

To get there, the state and federal governments are offering combined rebates of up to $5,000 for a 10-kilowatt-hour system. “You’ll get about $1,300 from the WA scheme and $3,700 from the federal program,” Simon says.

How Much Will It Cost Me?

A typical 10kWh battery costs around $7,000. Add installation, an inverter, and any solar upgrades, and you’re looking at about $11,000 total.

Minus the $5,000 rebate, your out-of-pocket cost is roughly $6,000. That’s an average based on many suppliers, home setups, and system types.

Is It Right for Everyone?

Not necessarily. If you live alone and use minimal power, batteries might not be worth it. “I wouldn’t recommend installing a battery unless you’re using at least 10 kilowatt hours a day,” Simon advises.

They make the most sense for couples, families, or those using lots of electricity in the evenings.

What About Safety?

Battery systems must meet strict safety standards (AS5139). That means:

  • No installations in bedrooms
  • Fireproof setups
  • Certified equipment only

“If you don’t use a certified battery, you won’t qualify for rebates,” Simon warns.

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): What’s the Catch?

To access the $1,300 WA rebate, you must join a Virtual Power Plant. That means Synergy can use your battery power up to 30 times a year to support the grid.

“It’s like having a network of home batteries that helps during peak demand,” says Simon. “Think hot summer days when everyone cranks the aircon.”

Off-Grid? It’s Complicated

If you want full energy independence, you’ll need a different inverter and setup. Older solar systems often can’t operate when the grid goes down. But newer inverters can kick in automatically to keep your lights on.

Not All Homes Qualify

Strata properties, renters, or homes with small roofs may miss out on battery savings. “There will be winners and losers,” Simon admits. “Unfortunately, renters rely on landlords, who may not invest.”

Final Advice

Before you commit, do your homework. Speak with certified installers. Make sure your system qualifies for rebates and meets all safety requirements.

Batteries are a big investment but with rebates and rising bills, the payoff might be closer than you think. For more info on the Scheme visit: WA Residential Battery Scheme

Listen to Simon’s full conversation with Doug on Table Talk below.