From a rewarding Aged Care project in Tasmania to growing partnerships across Australia, Melbourne Energy Group continues to focus on delivering quality installations one project at a time.
This year Melbourne Energy Group (MEG) took on another major interstate project, 2.5 megawatt-hours (MWh) in total across aged care facilities in Tasmania, presenting an exciting opportunity to extend their reach.
“The Tasmania project was significant for us, not just in scale but also in complexity,” says Director and Co-Founder Shane Smillie. “Working across multiple aged care sites in a different state presented logistical challenges and it was incredibly rewarding to complete.”
The rollout shows MEG’s confidence in handling complex commercial projects while maintaining the quality standards that have become its hallmark.
Growing with purpose
The Tasmania project was part of a broader focus on aged care facilities that has defined much of MEG’s recent work. Installations across Victorian aged care sites have showcased the company’s ability to navigate the unique challenges these environments present.
“Aged care facilities require a different approach,” Shane explains. “You’re working around vulnerable populations, dealing with tight access constraints, and every site has its own engineering hurdles to overcome.”
One project that particularly tested the team involved installing a shared solar system across 60 apartments within an independent living facility, using SolShare technology to distribute energy across multiple units.
“The technical complexity was significant,” Shane says. “Integrating shared solar into existing infrastructure while maintaining clear communication with staff and residents required careful planning and execution.”
These projects helped MEG refine their approach to complex installations, building experience that has proven valuable across their expanding portfolio of schools, universities, and commercial clients.
Recognition and new partnerships
MEG’s focus on quality delivery was recently acknowledged when the company was named REC/ ANZ Commercial Installer of the Year at the Smart Energy Gala Dinner. The recognition, based largely on its aged care portfolio, validated the team’s commitment to technical excellence.
“The award was a nice acknowledgment of the work we’ve been putting in,” says Shane. “It reflects our team’s capability and the relationships we’ve built with clients in sectors like aged care.”
Building on this foundation, MEG has also been accepted as a Preferred Partner with Origin Energy, joining a select group of installers who have met stringent technical, operational and customer service standards.
The partnership opens new opportunities for MEG’s residential clients, including access to programs such as a Virtual Power Plant initiative that helps coordinate distributed energy systems. For MEG, it represents another step in building trusted relationships within Australia’s energy sector.
“It’s a good opportunity to help more households participate in grid stability while maintaining control over their energy use,” Shane says. “We’re pleased to offer solutions that extend beyond just installation.”
Tailored solutions, reliable delivery
MEG’s approach remains centred on understanding each client’s specific needs rather than offering standard packages. Whether the project involves solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, or integrated solutions, the process begins with detailed consultation.
“Every client has a different operating profile,” Shane says. “Our strength lies in adapting through tailored engineering and design rather than pushing one-size-fits-all solutions.”
This bespoke approach extends to MEG’s delivery model. All installations are handled by the company’s own licensed electricians. It’s a commitment to quality control that Shane considers essential.
“We handle everything in-house because we believe that’s how you maintain consistent standards,” he says. “Quality and safety aren’t negotiable – they’re the foundation of everything we do.”
The team has continued investing in analytics and energy modelling software to better match client energy profiles with optimal solar and battery configurations, helping avoid over-engineering while delivering value-driven outcomes.
Growing with purpose
Founded by Shane and fellow electrician Toby, MEG has evolved from a tight-knit Melbourne team to a company capable of handling large projects Australia-wide. However, their growth strategy remains client-focused rather than expansion-driven.
“We certainly have the capacity to work nationally, and we’re focused on supporting our current clients wherever they need us,” Shane says. “If that means going interstate, we’re ready to do that.”
This measured approach includes partnering with other engineering, procurement and construction companies when beneficial and continuously refining internal processes to improve project delivery.
The company’s operational philosophy centres on steady progress rather than rapid scaling. Each project builds on previous experience, with the team learning from complex installations like the Tasmania aged care rollout.
Between major commercial projects, MEG’s apprentices develop their skills on residential installations – a deliberate strategy that serves multiple purposes.
“We believe training the next generation of renewable energy tradespeople is as important as the systems we install,” Shane says. “While many companies rely on subcontractors, we’ve chosen to build our own teams and invest in apprentices. It costs more, but it’s how we maintain consistent standards while developing the skills Australia’s renewable sector needs.”
Building on solid foundations
As Australia’s renewable energy sector continues to mature, MEG’s focus on quality delivery and client relationships positions the company well for continued growth.
The Origin Energy partnership and recent industry recognition reflect the value of MEG’s steady approach – building capabilities through challenging projects, maintaining high standards, and developing trusted relationships with both clients and industry partners.
For MEG’s client base, this translates to access to new programs and technologies, backed by a team with proven experience in complex installations.
“We’re not interested in growing just for the sake of growth,” Shane reflects. “We want to do this properly, with the right people, and for the right reasons. At the end of the day, we’re here because we believe renewable energy matters – not just for our clients’ energy bills, but for the bigger picture too.”
For more information, visit melbourneenergygroup.com.au