In the Great Hall of Australian Parliament House this week, the Treasurer The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, presented the Federal Budget to a eager audience which included ENA and its members. The Budget contained several key announcements with the potential to significantly impact the energy sector, particularly electricity and gas networks.  

While the full details are still emerging, the broad strokes point towards a continued focus on the energy transition, with both support for consumers and investment in infrastructure.

Addressing cost of living

One of the most immediate and visible measures is the extension of the Energy Bill Relief Fund. The government has allocated an additional $1.8 billion to extend this program for another six months, providing up to $150 in rebates to eligible households and small businesses with electricity bills.

There is no doubt that some customers are doing it tough, and this bill relief aims to provide immediate support to households and small businesses, alongside the array of other supports provided by both energy network and retail companies.

Support for the transition and using what we have, better

The Budget continues to emphasise the clean energy transition and the development of a ‘Future Made in Australia’. This includes a $2 billion pre-committed expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), aiming to unlock an additional $8 billion in private investment in renewable energy and low-emissions technologies. The government is also delivering new systems and tools, through ARENA funding, so landowners can make better informed decisions on how to benefit from the clean energy transformation.

Furthermore, the Budget highlighted measures to enhance the use of existing grid infrastructure and address grid bottlenecks, allocating $36.9 million for this purpose and an additional $10 million for an Accelerated Connections Fund.

ENA’s recent The Time is Now report demonstrated the benefits to customers of unlocking the opportunities on the distribution grid, and using what we have, better.

Smoothing the way for approvals

The government’s commitment to facilitating the approval process for renewable energy projects of ‘national significance’ is also noteworthy.

Providing $134.2 million to strengthen and accelerate these approvals, including environmental assessments for transmission projects, signals a proactive approach to ensuring the timely development of new transmission lines and other network assets required to support the energy transition.

Towards a renewable gas future

While the specific details regarding gas network infrastructure were less prominent, the Government continues to focus on hydrogen and low-carbon technologies, with $13.7 billion in tax incentives and $1.5 billion in support through the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund. This could create opportunities for future investment and adaptation for renewable gas producers and gas infrastructure owners.

The energy transition is not without its challenges for the networks sector. Significant investment in new infrastructure requires careful planning, regulatory approvals, and skilled workforce. The Budget’s nod to working with states and territories on a national occupational license for electrical trades is a positive step towards addressing potential skills shortages that could impede the rollout of new energy infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Australian Federal Budget 2025 signals a continued and intensified push towards a low-emissions energy future, and network service providers will continue to be essential partners in supporting government commitments to achieve a decarbonised, modern and reliable grid that all customers can benefit from.

ENA will continue to unpack the opposition’s budget reply and both sides’ focus on energy and policy commitments ahead of the 3 May election.