Australia’s booming household battery market is attracting increasing regulatory scrutiny as complaints rise about installers taking deposits, delaying projects and failing to deliver systems promised under the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
More than 530,000 batteries have been installed since the scheme began in July 2025, with the program expected to support more than A$7.2 billion in battery costs over four years.
The generous incentives have triggered unprecedented consumer demand but have also attracted operators accused of poor workmanship, lengthy delays and misleading sales practices.
Federal and state consumer regulators are now investigating several businesses, while complaints to some energy ombudsman schemes have increased sharply.
Demand boom creates consumer risks
The scheme subsidises around 30% of the cost of eligible household batteries, making systems significantly more affordable for families looking to reduce electricity bills or store rooftop solar power.
However, consumer advocates warn that rapid industry growth has outpaced existing protections.
Some households have paid deposits and waited close to a year without receiving batteries, while others have reported installation problems or difficulty obtaining refunds.
Calls are growing for solar and battery customers to receive stronger access to independent dispute resolution and energy ombudsman schemes.
The issue presents a challenge for the government because household batteries are becoming increasingly important to Australia’s electricity transition.
Distributed batteries can reduce pressure on the grid and store excess renewable electricity, but consumer confidence could be damaged if installation standards and regulation fail to keep pace.
The program’s success is therefore creating its own problem: demand has grown so quickly that regulators are now racing to ensure the industry delivering it can be trusted.
