Ausgrid has launched it largest-ever community battery at Cooranbong with thousands of locals in the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie regions set to benefit.
Ausgrid CEO, Marc England, said the Cooranbong Battery was the first of a number of larger batteries being launched by the business in its push to ensure the benefits of the energy transition were accessible to all electricity customers.
“Whether you have solar on your roof or not, rent or own, or live in a house or apartment, you can access the community battery as though it was your own and enjoy the savings that come with it,” he said.
“At half the cost of a home battery, community batteries can offer cheaper bills for the local community, a more effective management of the local network and support more renewables into the grid.”
Federal Member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said the project – delivered as part of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Community Batteries Funding – is a win-win for his community providing access to cheaper, cleaner energy.
“Community batteries allow households to access the benefits of energy storage without the upfront cost and installation hassles,” he said.
“By storing excess solar energy during the day and releasing it when demand is high, this battery will help lower energy bills and ensure a more reliable power supply for local families.”
The Cooranbong protect is the second battery installed in collaboration with the ARENA under its Community Batteries Funding Round 1.
ARENA Director of Business Development & Transactions, Leon Chanter, praised the growing collaboration with Ausgrid.
“ARENA is continuing its support for the roll out of community batteries across Australia and we’re excited to see the progress Ausgrid has made with the installation of the next ARENA-funded battery at Cooranbong,” he said.
“By strategically placing energy storage at the community level, the batteries can support a more reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy future for all Australians.”
The 5MW battery further expands Ausgrid’s Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) initiative, enabling significant savings for locals that sign up.
This groundbreaking program, currently offered in partnership with leading retailers Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia, is designed to bring tangible benefits to a much wider segment of the community.
Ausgrid said that the size of the battery means that thousands of locals could benefit from cost savings.
Origin Energy General Manager of Technology and Customer Enablement, Andrew Cleland, said ESaaS will help customers save on their bills regardless of whether they have solar panels or not.
“Community batteries provide people with tangible savings on their electricity bills, without requiring them to make any upfront investment,” he said.
“We encourage local households to register their interest in this program to find out how accessing a community battery can help them save money, harness more renewable energy and participate in the energy transition.”
Another ten community batteries have been launched within Beacon Hill, Bankstown, Bondi, Cabarita, Cameron Park, Cammeray, Narara, Warriewood, North Epping and Bexley North, with more planned in coming months.
ESaaS is also now available for customers near smaller pole-top community batteries in Adamstown, Bankstown, Blackwall, Canada Bay, Hurlstone Park, Kurnell, Lidcombe, Lindfield and Maitland.
For more information on Energy Storage as a Service, visit Ausgrid’s website.
