Households across Victoria will have greater access to reliable power during emergencies, with the completion of the state’s $7.5 million Energy Resilience Solutions (ERS) program.
Announced by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio at the Cockatoo energy resilience hub, the initiative has established 24 community energy hubs equipped with solar panels, batteries, and backup generators to maintain essential services during prolonged power outages caused by storms or bushfires.
Located in high-risk areas such as the Yarra Ranges, Gippsland, the Dandenong Ranges, and along the Great Ocean Road, these hubs provide residents with a place to charge devices, heat food, and stay connected during extreme weather events.
Several systems have already been activated, including in Emerald and Gembrook, where they provided critical support during storms in February last year.
The hubs also help reduce reliance on diesel generators, lowering energy costs for local councils operating the facilities.
Cockatoo’s energy resilience hub, which opened last year, features a 13.6-kilowatt solar array, a 52-kilowatt-hour battery, and a backup generator, ensuring three key community buildings remain powered during extended blackouts.
Beyond these hubs, energy backup systems are also being deployed in Omeo, while town-wide microgrids are being developed in Mallacoota and Corryong through the Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program.
Additionally, the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program is funding batteries that can support publicly accessible buildings during grid outages.
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