Plug-in solar and batteries may cause house fires, electricians warn

Résumé détaillé

Plug-in solar and batteries promise savings for households, but electrical industry groups say the safety measures being proposed are insufficient and the devices could cause house fires.

Advocates are calling on the federal government to legalise plug-in solar and batteries by mid-2027, allowing households to save on energy bills.

But industry groups say the devices could cause house fires and a "rushed process" could repeat the mistakes of the 2009 "pink batts" scheme.

Australia's energy ministers have agreed to explore pathways for "safe deployment" of plug-in solar across the country and have said they will report back in December.

Solar panels and batteries that can be plugged into regular power outlets could cause house fires due to rushed implementation and lack of safety oversight, according to electrical trade groups.

Advocates want the devices to be legalised in Australia by mid-2027, saying it would allow renters, apartment dwellers and low-income households to benefit from lower energy bills.

The federal government is working with states and territories to develop a safety framework, with Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen telling a webinar last week he had asked Standards Australia to fast track the project, which would be completed "very quickly".

Western Australia has struck out on its own, releasing a draft technical standard that would bypass this national process and aiming to be the first state or territory to legalise the technology.

But industry groups and unions are warning of safety risks, saying a rushed process could result in deaths.

The organisations include the peak body for electricians, Master Electricians Australia (MEA); the peak body for electrical contractors, National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA); and the Electrical Trades Union (ETU).

Début de l'article, extrait de ABC Business. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.