Endeavour Energy has launched its SolarSaver program this week to trial the use of home batteries matched with solar systems to reduce peak demand and help customers cut their power bill.
“Endeavour Energy SolarSaver uses the electricity stored in home batteries to meet the energy needs of customers at times of peak demand,” Endeavour Energy asset management general manager Ty Christopher said.
“Demand for electricity from our network can increase by up to 50 per cent as temperatures in Western Sydney hit 38°C and customers turn on their air conditioners to escape the heat.
“We want to understand how batteries can offset the strain on our network at these peak times and avoid investment in additional capacity used for just a few days each year.
“This will potentially deliver a win-win for both customers and our business by keeping costs down in the future.”
Forty homeowners across Acacia Gardens, Glenwood, Kellyville, Parklea, Quakers Hill and Stanhope Gardens with grid-connected solar systems had been selected to receive an incentive to install a home battery to participate in the program.
“We want to understand how much demand can be reduced from home batteries and the customer benefits of offering this capability within our network,” Mr Christopher said.
Endeavour Energy will remotely control the charging and discharging of the batteries up to 12 times per summer and winter on some of the hottest and coldest days of the year.
Outside these days, participating customers can freely use the battery to maximise their use of their solar systems to offset the energy purchased from the grid and lower their electricity bills.
Saving money on her electricity bills was a key reason Parklea resident Mrs Maria Evangelista chose to join the Endeavour Energy SolarSaver program.
Endeavour Energy will collect energy data from the battery and solar systems until March 31, 2019.
“With more than 100,000 homes with grid-connected solar systems, and residential battery technology rapidly evolving, the results of this program will help inform our future network investment strategy,” Mr Christopher said.
“The data collected will help us design a network where the customer decides the technology and investment used to power their home.”