SwitchedOn Australia

The Electrify 2515 Community Pilot has landed $5.4 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to run a world first electrification pilot. Under the pilot, 500 residents in the 2515 postcode south of Sydney will receive subsidies and support to install electric hot water, reverse cycle air conditioners, induction cooktops, and home batteries, and a free smart home energy device to track and optimise their energy use. But the main objective of the pilot is to identify the opportunities and challenges that will enable household electrification to be scaled up across the whole country. Kristen McDonald is one of the co-ordinators of the Electrify 2515 project who has helped shepherd the project from idea to reality. She’s also now the mobilisation and engagement manager at Rewiring Australia. For more information on electrification and energy efficiency https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/truly-a-world-first-grass-roots-suburban-electrification-pilot-wins-federal-funding/

By the end of the decade, it’s anticipated every home in Australia will be paying time-of-use, or cost-reflective, tariffs, rather than a flat rate for our electricity. Some households though are getting much higher electricity bills because their electricity retailer didn’t tell them they’d been put on a time-of-use tariff and have to pay more during peak periods. Brendan French, the Chief Executive of Energy Consumers Australia, outlines why cost-reflective tariffs shouldn’t be mandatory, and why we need to simplify consumer bills, not make them more complicated. For more information on electrification and energy efficiency https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au

Rob Amphlett Lewis, Group Executive of Distributed Services at Ausgrid, shares insights on the transformative impact of community batteries across Australia. He explains how these mid-scale batteries can empower nearly 100,000 households with shared solar energy storage, promoting cost savings and grid efficiency. The discussion reveals the evolving role of energy retailers in the face of community batteries and highlights the importance of local engagement and government support in their deployment. Overcoming regulatory challenges is key to driving this innovative energy transition.

Poor air tightness of our buildings can lead to draughty, leaky, and uncomfortable homes. It can also increase our energy bills by up to 20 per cent. Senior experimental scientist at the CSIRO, Michael Ambrose, has recently completed Australia’s most comprehensive study on the ‘leakiness’ of recently built homes. He found the air tightness of new homes has improved significantly since he first conducted a similar study in 2015, but there’s still room for improvement. For more information on energy efficiency and electrification https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au

Brendan Lang, a Melbourne electrician and founder of 'Get off Gas,' shares insights on household electrification. He discusses the shift from gas to induction stoves, emphasizing health and safety benefits. Brendan also dives into government rebates for quality appliances and the importance of efficient insulation and heat pumps. He offers tips on maximizing solar energy and finding reliable tradespeople. Additionally, he raises awareness about the crisis in trades education, advocating for more skilled teachers to train future electricians.

The founder of Genie Energy, a pioneer in renewable energy solutions, discusses the vital role of local energy hubs in regional communities. They delve into the importance of community involvement and transparency in transitioning from coal to renewables. The conversation highlights how local projects, like community batteries, can empower residents and enhance trust. Additionally, they address electric vehicle acceptance, fueled by rising fuel costs and improved charging infrastructure. Overall, it's a call for collaboration to align developers with community needs.

Vivienne Griffin, a co-convener of Zero Emissions Noosa, discusses her group's efforts to install a community battery in Queensland. She highlights how community batteries enhance the use of rooftop solar energy and stabilize the energy grid. Griffin emphasizes the importance of community involvement and consultation in these projects, while addressing financial challenges that currently make them reliant on government support. The conversation shines a light on a collaborative approach to democratizing energy access and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Household hot water systems account for a quarter of a household’s power load. Finding ways to save on the cost of producing hot water, and reduce emissions, has been the focus of much recent research. But it’s not just what we heat our water with, but when. Energy experts argue we should shift our hot water heating to the middle of the day when there is abundant solar going into the system. Not only will this reduce our emissions, it could save billions of dollars. Recent research shows there is a $6.7 billion missed opportunity if newly electrified hot water systems aren’t used as a flexible resource. Dr Gabrielle Kuiper is a specialist in distributed energy resources, and a guest contributor to IEEFA, the Institute for energy economics and financial analysis, who argues we have to get smarter about hot water. For more information about electrification and energy efficiency https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au

Discover the groundbreaking Solar Schools initiative that's transforming energy use in Australian schools. Learn how this program has successfully slashed CO2 emissions and saved millions for taxpayers. Hear about the importance of energy literacy in schools and how solar installations empower not just the institutions, but the students themselves. Explore insightful discussions on sustainability, energy efficiency, and fostering environmental responsibility to ensure a greener future for the next generation.

Deputy Chair of Zero Emissions Noosa, Mark Purcell, is on a mission to get 50,000 households to electrify and install batteries. He's electrified three homes, and now wants to spread the word to other householders about electrification and decarbonisation. He’s calculated that if he can get 50,000 households to electrify and install batteries one less gas peaker plant will be needed during critical hours of peak demand. But although he's fully committed to household electrification and decarbonisation, Mark didn’t start his own electrification journey for sustainability reasons. For more information on electrification and energy efficiency https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au