Electrification for Everyone

Across Australia, households are replacing fossil-fuel appliances and petrol cars for high-performance, zero-emission electric versions and saving thousands of dollars in the process.

But this transition risks creating a two-speed Australia. Rewiring Australia research shows homeowners with capital can lock in over $4,100 in annual savings by switching to an all-electric setup with solar and a battery. Renters, low-income households, and apartment dwellers often can't,  locked out by upfront costs, landlord decisions, and strata rules, while remaining stranded on an increasingly expensive gas network.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Around one in three Australians rent and many more are on tight incomes. The goal of a fair energy transition only means something if it reaches everyone, not just those who already own their home, have the financial means to upgrade or are able to access subsidies and rebates that are far more accessible for homeowners. 

That's why Rewiring Australia advocates for practical, evidence-based policies that clear the path for every Australian to make the switch.

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Flexible finance for everyone

The upfront cost of electrification is the biggest barrier for low-income households, and complicates the upgrade for rentals and strata buildings. Many homes don’t have access to conventional loans or don’t want regular repayments. We could offer inflation-indexed loans with repayment deferred to property sale - ensuring every household has a way to switch to electric as the gas network enters decline.

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Ensuring the three hours Solar Sharer can reach more people

Our 2026 Pre-Budget Submission outlines high-leverage investments that could ensure more Australians can use three free hours (and similar flexible energy plans). We need to make sure more homes can get smart meters, flexibly finance crucial switchboard and connection upgrades, enable smart hot water to heat on solar, and help renters plug in their own batteries and cars to shift energy. 

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Supporting the switch to electric vehicles

The EV Fringe Benefits Tax exemption has helped drive EV uptake past 10% of new vehicle sales. The statutory review of the Electric Car Discount is a critical moment. We are calling for the benefit to be extended, the fuel tax credit

fixed, and perverse tax treatment of light commercial vehicles reviewed. Read our submission.

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Enabling renters and low income households to electrify their homes

One-third of Australian households rent. They should save from electric homes too. We need decent rental standards that require comfy homes and electric upgrades on replacement. The federal government could support energy upgrade finance with tied funding conditional on delivering those standards. Flexible finance is also a crucial enabler for landlords and strata owners to participate in necessary upgrades. Read our submission.

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Modernising the grid for everyone

Electricity networks were designed for one-way flow, but millions of Australian homes now generate, store and export power. The AEMC's electricity pricing review is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to redesign the rules so that batteries, solar and flexible loads are rewarded for the grid services they provide - reducing the need for costly network investment that ends up on everyone's bills, and instead cutting prices by moving more energy on the same wires. Read our submission.

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