The Western Australian and Australian Governments have delivered more than $185,000 in energy saving credits to households in the Kimberley, supporting cleaner, more reliable and lower-cost energy for remote First Nations communities.
Horizon Power’s Kimberley Communities Solar Saver (KCSS) program supports households unable to afford individual rooftop solar. Instead, solar panels are installed across selected homes, with the credits shared among the community.
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KCSS now provides energy‑saving credits to approximately 435 homes across five communities, saving around $450 per household each year.
The program commenced in Warmun in June 2024 with the installation of 0.42MW of rooftop solar, reducing reliance on high-cost diesel generation and lowering electricity costs for approximately 80 homes with pre-paid meters.
KCSS has since expanded to Bidyadanga, Ardyaloon, Yungngora, and Beagle Bay, with a total of 1.38MW of rooftop solar installed across approximately 125 systems in the five communities.
The program is due to expand to Mowanjum later this year, its sixth Kimberley community.
The Kimberley Communities Solar Saver project is delivered through the $10.56 million Albanese and Cook Labor Governments’ Community Solar Banks partnership.
Horizon Power CEO Krystal Skinner said, “The Kimberley Communities Solar Saver program is delivering practical benefits for households that have historically been unable to access rooftop solar.
“We are pleased KCSS is rolling out to a sixth community, enabling more residents to benefit from rooftop solar, delivering lower energy bills and cleaner, local power supply.
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“Our approach is based on sustained engagement with community leaders and Traditional Owners to ensure energy solutions meet local needs and improve long-term reliability.”
