The sun can be intense but the distances are immense, so bridging the gap for remote communities to take advantage of renewable solar energy is a key objective of one industry partnership.
Horizon Power has joined with the WA state and Federal governments to deliver $185,000 in energy‑saving credits to households in the Kimberley, supporting cleaner, more reliable and lower-cost energy for remote First Nations communities.
Horizon Power’s Kimberley Communities Solar Saver (KCSS) program supports households unable to afford individual rooftop solar, with solar panels are installed across selected homes, with the credits shared among the community.
Horizon Power’s CEO, Krystal Skinner says the program delivers practical benefits for households that have historically been unable to access rooftop solar.
“We are pleased KCSS is rolling out to a sixth community, enabling more residents to benefit from rooftop solar, delivering lower energy bills and cleaner, local power supply,” Skinner says.
“Our approach is based on sustained engagement with community leaders and Traditional Owners to ensure energy solutions meet local needs and improve long term reliability.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson says the program was about equity in access to alternatives in difficult times when fossil fuels soared in price.
“By harnessing the world’s best sunshine resources to reduce the reliance on increasingly expensive diesel, the Albanese Government’s Community Solar Banks shared-solar program is cutting power bills and increasing the energy security of remote Kimberley communities.
“As the energy transition accelerates and renewables start to outpace fossil fuel generation, we are making sure that the shift is equitable and accessible to all Australians no matter their postcode.
Kimberley MP Divina D’Anna said she was proud to supporting remote communities in the Kimberley with cleaner, more affordable energy.
“With the program set to expand to a sixth community later this year, even more Kimberley locals will soon benefit from this important initiative.”
