“ The "cheaper batteries scandal" in Australia centers on the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The highly popular multi-billion-dollar subsidy scheme, which provides a ~30% discount on up-front battery costs, has been plagued by massive installation failures, deceptive retail practices, and budget blowouts.Key Issues and Scandal DetailsSubstandard Installations: A widespread compliance audit by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) revealed that over 60% of inspected battery installations were deemed "substandard". In some states like Queensland, this figure rose to nearly three in four audited batteries.Unsafe Systems: About 1% of the installations were classified as "unsafe," posing potential fire or electrical risks to homes.The "Oversized" Loophole: The original scheme incentivized buyers to purchase excessively large batteries (50kWh to 100kWh) to claim a higher maximum rebate, regardless of their actual energy needs. This caused the original $2.3 billion budget to balloon toward $7.2 billion.Political Fallout: Internal documents revealed that the government quietly diverted Clean Energy Regulator funds to keep the budget-drained scheme afloat. Energy Minister Chris Bowen faced heavy political backlash and calls for an auditor-general inquiry over the financial mismanagement.Consumer Deception: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had to issue warnings to solar retailers and installers over deceptive quotes and misleading savings claims.”


“Al


It’s only 8 billion,ffs, no wonder people are sleeping on the streets and eating out of rubbish bins!

Australia 2026

Rich country living like we are third world.

Unless you are an politician!

Daves2017 wrote on May 29^th, 2026 at 10:15pm:

“ The "cheaper batteries scandal" in Australia centers on the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The highly popular multi-billion-dollar subsidy scheme, which provides a ~30% discount on up-front battery costs, has been plagued by massive installation failures, deceptive retail practices, and budget blowouts.Key Issues and Scandal DetailsSubstandard Installations: A widespread compliance audit by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) revealed that over 60% of inspected battery installations were deemed "substandard". In some states like Queensland, this figure rose to nearly three in four audited batteries.Unsafe Systems: About 1% of the installations were classified as "unsafe," posing potential fire or electrical risks to homes.The "Oversized" Loophole: The original scheme incentivized buyers to purchase excessively large batteries (50kWh to 100kWh) to claim a higher maximum rebate, regardless of their actual energy needs. This caused the original $2.3 billion budget to balloon toward $7.2 billion.Political Fallout: Internal documents revealed that the government quietly diverted Clean Energy Regulator funds to keep the budget-drained scheme afloat. Energy Minister Chris Bowen faced heavy political backlash and calls for an auditor-general inquiry over the financial mismanagement.Consumer Deception: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had to issue warnings to solar retailers and installers over deceptive quotes and misleading savings claims.” “Al It’s only 8 billion,ffs, no wonder people are sleeping on the streets and eating out of rubbish bins! Australia 2026 Rich country living like we are third world. Unless you are an politician!

"has been plagued by massive installation failures, deceptive retail practices,"

"over 60% of inspected battery installations were deemed “substandard"

"About 1% of the installations were classified as "unsafe," posing potential fire or electrical risks to homes.”

So a person accepts an overpriced quote for a dodgy installation and it’s the Federal Government’s Fault?    Did they get a Certificate of Compliance for the installation?   Was the installation inspected by the Regulator before being energised?

Sounds like a state government licensing and Regulatory issue to me.  All the government did was provide the funds.

Rudd's Pink Batts scheme, and Abbott’s Work for the Dole scheme just provided the funding - the States were the Regulators of the Schemes.  Sounds like Queensland in particular need to question their Regulator about how these installations passed

Vic wrote on May 30^th, 2026 at 10:19am:

Did they get a Certificate of Compliance for the installation?

Was that a requirement?

lee wrote on May 30^th, 2026 at 1:36pm:

Vic wrote on May 30th, 2026 at 10:19am: Did they get a Certificate of Compliance for the installation?    Was that a requirement?

It is in Vic.    When I worked in QLD as an A grade it was there as well, that was around 2012.     Solar and Batteries are counted as Generators and because they connect to the mains by synchronising, they must comply with not only SAA Wirings Rules but whatever regualations are in force.  So unless QLD has departed from both Operational and Connection Legislation you would need one, and an Inspection by the Authority before the installation can connect to the Solar /Mains and/or the battery

Vic wrote on May 30^th, 2026 at 2:24pm:

It is in Vic.

Was it mandated by the federal regulations on the solar panels and batteries, or was it silent?

lee wrote on May 30^th, 2026 at 4:12pm:

Vic wrote on May 30th, 2026 at 2:24pm: It is in Vic.  Was it mandated by the federal regulations on the solar panels and batteries, or was it silent?

Regulations of that type are handled by each state.  As far as I am aware, the Federals hand the money out and the actual processes are handled by the states according to what they have in place.   With things like solar, batteries, wiring rules, certificates etc - they are one of the few standards that are common in every state and territory.  The same as plumbing and other trades, this allows trades people to move quicker between states using RPL to gain certification.   

Its the same as when I worked in a number of SPOs - Defence just handed the money out - how it was used was left to the SPO who in turn passed it to their Contractors

Fair enough. Get the cowboys out of the industry, Australia wide.

Vic wrote on May 30^th, 2026 at 2:24pm:

lee wrote on May 30th, 2026 at 1:36pm: Vic wrote on May 30th, 2026 at 10:19am: Did they get a Certificate of Compliance for the installation?    Was that a requirement? It is in Vic.    When I worked in QLD as an A grade it was there as well, that was around 2012.     Solar and Batteries are counted as Generators and because they connect to the mains by synchronising, they must comply with not only SAA Wirings Rules but whatever regualations are in force.  So unless QLD has departed from both Operational and Connection Legislation you would need one, and an Inspection by the Authority before the installation can connect to the Solar /Mains and/or the battery

QLD hasn't - that is the requirement if you are still connected to the grid.

Gnads wrote on May 31^st, 2026 at 9:50am:

Vic wrote on May 30th, 2026 at 2:24pm: lee wrote on May 30th, 2026 at 1:36pm: Vic wrote on May 30th, 2026 at 10:19am: Did they get a Certificate of Compliance for the installation?    Was that a requirement? It is in Vic.    When I worked in QLD as an A grade it was there as well, that was around 2012.     Solar and Batteries are counted as Generators and because they connect to the mains by synchronising, they must comply with not only SAA Wirings Rules but whatever regualations are in force.  So unless QLD has departed from both Operational and Connection Legislation you would need one, and an Inspection by the Authority before the installation can connect to the Solar /Mains and/or the battery QLD hasn't - that is the requirement if you are still connected to the grid.

Thanks Gnads   It has been a while since I worked in Qld and NT.