Manuka Tennis Club is the first carbon-neutral tennis club in Canberra, thanks to the ACT Government’s Next Gen program.
The Next Gen Energy Storage program offers rebates for solar batteries. Homes and businesses that apply for the program can access a rebate for up to $3,500 or up to 50% of the battery price, whichever is lower.
“With the help of the Next Gen battery storage rebate, we were not only able to save money – we’re now proud to be the first carbon-neutral tennis club in Canberra,” said Bill Brummitt, president of the Manuka Tennis Club.
“The biggest charge on our electricity bills was for lighting the courts at night. Without the battery, we would be selling the electricity generated from the solar panels during the day and buying back at a more expensive rate at night. With the battery, we can run a full night of competition tennis off the battery and still have 2% left at the end. Once the battery is fully charged in the daytime, we’re feeding electricity back into the grid.”
Since the program started five years ago, more than 2,240 battery storage systems have been installed, empowering Canberrans to take control of their energy use, save on bills, and do something positive for the environment, said Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction.
To help more Canberrans take control of their energy and take action on climate change, Next Gen now offers six more eligible battery retailers for households and businesses to choose from, bringing the number to 20.
“The addition of six new retailers to the program reflects the growth of the renewable energy sector in the ACT, and is good news for the community and the environment,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Programs like Next Gen help to build the ACT as a hub for renewable energy innovation and reinforces our long-standing commitment to taking real action on climate change .
“Battery storage helps the ACT to maintain a secure energy grid, and supports our 100% renewable electricity supply. Expanding battery storage capacity is an important part of ensuring our electricity network is resilient and future ready.”
Mr Rattenbury encouraged all Canberra homeowners and business owners considering battery storage to check the Everyday Climate Choices website and apply to be part of the program. Businesses interested in becoming an eligible retailer are also encouraged to apply.
“I look forward to working together to secure Canberra’s renewable energy future.”
