A Senate Economics Committee inquiry into electrification provides an important opportunity to quantify the benefit to Australian households and industry from substituting expensive fossil fuel powered technology with clean, emission free, renewable powered appliances and vehicles.
Electrification rewires homes with cooktops, heating, hot water and cars powered by rooftop solar. Research by Rewiring Australia has found Australian households will save $3000-5000 per year by the end of the decade if they make the switch.
Senator Andrew Bragg’s notice of motion calls on the Senate Economic References Committee to examine the economic opportunities offered by electrification, including inflation reduction and employment growth, as well as the benefits of domestic energy security and balance of international trade. The inquiry will also consider barriers to uptake, funding models and how Australia’s approach to electrification compares internationally.
Rewiring Australia founder and chief scientist, Dr Saul Griffith, endorsed Senator Bragg’s initiative.
“Senator Bragg’s move to establish this inquiry is an important step. It will provide a platform to establish the compelling logic of powering our homes and vehicles with the cheap and prolific renewables.
“Australia is well ahead of the world with rooftop solar but we have an opportunity to consolidate that lead and make sure more Australians benefit by using more of that abundant, clean energy to power our cooking, heating, hot water and transport.
“Senator Bragg has clearly understood the logic of electrification. Once you make the switch you lock in permanently lower cost of living and remove exposure to inflation and fossil fuel bill shocks.
“We are excited and enthusiastic to participate in this important process.”
