The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a warning to battery and solar suppliers, as well as electricity retailers, regarding their sales practices in light of increasing demand for home batteries and solar systems. This surge is largely driven by government subsidy schemes, which have made these technologies more affordable for households seeking to reduce their electricity bills.

The ACCC's latest Electricity Inquiry Report highlights the emerging markets for new electricity services, particularly those supported by solar and battery systems. The report compares the electricity bills of customers using these renewable energy solutions with those relying solely on traditional grid electricity. It reveals that households with solar and battery systems enjoy significant savings on their electricity bills, with those connected to virtual power plants seeing the most substantial reductions.

According to the report, the Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program has played a crucial role in making batteries more accessible. The ACCC emphasizes that retailers and installers must prioritize consumer interests to ensure that the benefits of these programs are fully realized. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey stressed the importance of fair, accurate, and easily understandable deals as more Australians transition to solar and battery plans.

The report also underscores the complexity of investing in solar and battery systems, urging consumers to carefully evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the costs. It advocates for additional consumer protections to safeguard those purchasing these systems and engaging with new energy services, such as virtual power plants. The ACCC is committed to monitoring consumer complaints and holding suppliers accountable to comply with Australian consumer laws.

Furthermore, the report indicates that government rebates have significantly reduced median household power bills, with a 21% decrease observed between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024. Without these rebates, bills would have risen by 4%. The ACCC continues to gather data and report on the electricity market, with the next report scheduled for December 2025.