Ausgrid launches major battery initiative in Southwest Sydney
Thousands of residents in southwest Sydney are set to save on their power bills with the launch of Ausgrid’s newest community battery.
The two 5MW batteries could save customers in Bankstown, Yagoona, Padstow, Riverwood, Roselands, Revesby, Punchbowl Mount Lewis, Condell Park and Beverly Hills around $200 a year in energy bills, even if they are renters, or live in an apartment.
Ausgrid Chairman, Dr Helen Nugent AC, said the launch marks a pivotal moment in making the energy transition inclusive.
At Ausgrid, our priority is ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is both equitable and affordable for all our customers.
“By investing in shared infrastructure, we are empowering local families to take control of their energy costs while building a more resilient network for the future.
“By storing excess solar energy during the day and releasing it when demand is high, this battery will help lower energy bills and ensure a more reliable power supply for local families,” she said.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, agrees the project – delivered as part of the Federal Government’s ARENA funding – is a win for the local community.
“The Albanese Government knows that Aussies are doing it tough, and these community batteries will go some way to help take the sting out of energy bills for locals every year.
Community batteries are helping redefine how reliable renewable energy is delivered to homes and businesses across Australia, including in Southwestern Sydney.
The Bankstown battery further expands Ausgrid's Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) initiative offered in partnership with leading retailers Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia.
Ausgrid’s Group Executive Distributed Services, Rob Amphlett Lewis, said community batteries make the benefits of energy storage accessible to everyone, enabling savings for all customers – including those typically not able to install a home battery or solar.
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.
"Each community battery acts as a shared asset that can absorb abundant solar energy during the day when the sun is shining and share it back to the network during the evening peak, lowering electricity prices for everyone.
“Community batteries can offer cheaper bills for the local community, more effective management of the local network, and support more renewables into the grid.
These benefits can be stacked – making it a cost effective investment that provides positive benefits for everyone,” he said.
Twelve other community batteries have been launched within Beacon Hill, Bexley North, Bondi, Cabarita, Cameron Park, Cammeray, Cooranbong, Narara, Warriewood, North Epping, Peats Ridge and elsewhere in Bankstown, with more planned in coming months.
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.