Thousands of New South Wales Central Coast residents are set to save on their energy bills with the launch of Ausgrid’s latest 5MW community battery.
Delivered as part of the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) funding, the project represents a major step forward in lowering the cost of living and ensuring the benefits of the renewable energy transition are felt directly by the Central Coast community.
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Ausgrid group executive distributed services Rob Amphlett Lewis said the battery extends savings to those previously been “locked out” of the solar revolution because they are not able to install their own rooftop solar or purchase their own home battery.
“Each community battery serves as a shared asset that absorbs solar energy during the day and then pushes it back into the grid during the evening peak when prices are highest,” he said.
“It offers cheaper bills for the local community, more effective management of the network, and supports more renewables in the grid. These benefits are stacked—making it a cost-effective investment for everyone.
“Whether you have solar on your roof or not, rent or own, or live in a house or apartment, you can access the community battery and enjoy the savings that come with it.”
The Long Jetty battery could benefit up to 5,000 residents, with 30,000 eligible to sign up for the savings, and continues to expand Ausgrid’s Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) initiative.
This groundbreaking program, currently offered in partnership with leading retailers EnergyAustralia and Origin Energy, is designed to bring tangible benefits to a much wider segment of the community.
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Fifteen other community batteries have been launched within Bankstown, Beacon Hill, Brandy Hill, Bexley North, Bondi, Cabarita, Cameron Park, Cammeray, Cooranbong, Narara, Warriewood and Peats Ridge. ESaaS is also now available for customers near smaller pole-top community batteries in Adamstown, Bankstown, Blackwall, Canada Bay, Hurlstone Park, Kurnell, Lidcombe, Lindfield, and Maitland.
