South Australia is empowering low-income and vulnerable households to benefit from cheaper, renewable energy through a new community battery program.
The State Government announced the locations for two pilot community battery installations in Magill and Edwardstown that will service 600 eligible households.
Funded by a $1 million Federal grant, the emPowering Magill and emPowering Edwardstown batteries will allow participants to lower their annual electricity bills by as much as $562 based on current prices.
The 150 kilowatt (kW)/405 kWh batteries will store excess renewable energy from the grid when supply is abundant. This stored power can then be discharged at night or during periods of high demand, similar to household battery systems but shared among the community.
In addition to reducing costs, the community batteries will support more rooftop solar installations, lower emissions, and improve grid stability by managing fluctuations in energy supply.
Housing SA tenants living near the Magill and Edwardstown batteries will be invited to voluntarily join the program by signing up with retailer Energy Locals, which is offering a 25 per cent discount below the Default Market Offer.
Tenants closest to each battery site will receive the initial opportunity until 300 households per location have signed up. Tesla will operate the battery systems as part of the South Australian Virtual Power Plant.
Construction on the $2 million battery projects is expected to commence in the first half of 2024, with the program aiming to extend the benefits of renewable energy technologies to vulnerable families struggling with power costs.
“This mirrors how household solar and batteries function, but shares those benefits more widely with families who need it most,” the government said in a statement.
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