Rewiring Australia campaigning for renters to be included in electrical future

Rewiring Australia is advocating for renters to benefit from renewable energy technologies, including portable solar setups and vehicle-to-grid charging, as the NSW government considers minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties. Rental homes, particularly in low-income and regional areas, are less energy-efficient than owner-occupied homes, with simple upgrades like insulation potentially cutting annual bills by up to $750. The advocacy group plans to submit recommendations to the NSW government, pushing for electric appliances to replace gas fittings at their end-of-life and allowing portable energy solutions like 'balcony solar' systems. They also propose a standardized plug to enable high-power, bidirectional charging, letting tenants use EV batteries to power their homes. Rewiring Australia CEO Francis Vierboom noted that a car battery could supply a typical house for five days, reducing reliance on the grid. Current rules require vehicle-to-grid systems to be hardwired into homes, requiring landlord approval and preventing tenants from removing the equipment when moving out. A dedicated plug could simplify this process, allowing renters to integrate their EVs into home energy systems without permanent modifications. Vierboom emphasized the need for flexible, tenant-friendly solutions to ensure renters aren’t excluded from renewable energy advancements. Starting July 1, NSW residents with smart meters can opt into the federal Solar Sharer Offer, accessing three hours of free daytime electricity (capped at 25kWh) to encourage off-peak appliance use. This initiative aims to balance excess solar power supply while lowering costs for households. Rewiring Australia’s push aligns with broader efforts to modernize rental property standards and expand access to renewable energy for all tenants.