Community smart energy trial begins in Illawarra to drive home electrification
A $5.4 million ARENA-backed project is helping households in NSW’s 2515 postcode electrify their homes, cut energy costs, and lower emissions.
The Australian Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), is funding a new community-led pilot to support home electrification in the Illawarra. Under the pilot, residents in the 2515 postcode will be able to apply for subsidies to install energy-efficient appliances and consumer energy resources.
Residents of in Austinmer, Clifton, Coledale, Scarborough, Thirroul, and Wombarra can apply for subsidies of up to $1,000 off electric hot water systems, reverse cycle air conditioners, induction cooktops, and up to $1500 off home batteries. Each household will also have a free smart energy device installed to optimise their energy use, and switchboard upgrades to support the new appliances. Additional incentives will be available for lower income households to make the program accessible to a diverse range of people.
Brighte, a green finance company, is leading the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot in partnership with Rewiring Australia and Endeavour Energy. The project, which emerged from a two-year campaign by local residents, aims to reduce household emissions and lower energy bills by helping homes switch to renewable energy sources. Each household in the pilot will receive a free HEMS device, as well as support for necessary switchboard upgrades to accommodate new appliances.
The pilot will explore consumer behaviour, energy savings, and attitudes to electrification, with the goal of developing insights that could inform broader electrification initiatives across Australia.
Local MP Alison Byrnes also expressed her support, saying, “I look forward to seeing this project provide valuable insights and data in how this model could be rolled out across communities, particularly our more vulnerable households in lower socioeconomic areas who would benefit greatly from reduced energy bills."
This trial is expected to provide a blueprint for expanding home electrification programs across the country, with a focus on energy efficiency, bill reductions, and sustainable energy practices.
Rewiring Australia’s involvement, led by energy expert Saul Griffith, adds further expertise to the project, with the aim of ensuring the pilot’s success in the 2515 postcode.
“Incentives and information will support households to make wise energy choices and coordination of tradespeople will facilitate the process," Griffith said.
"Our research will uncover any barriers that make electrification harder than it should be and highlight market reforms required to make the transition economically efficient. Australia is the leading rooftop solar nation. Pilots like these will allow us to invent the clean consumer energy model for the whole world.”
