Community batteries: good for you & good for your community

^{Renae Gasmier – Head of Customer Assets}

^{31 October 2024}

Everyone wants to participate in the renewable energy transition, but for some there are barriers that make it difficult. Whether it’s the cost of installing solar panels or a battery, or restrictions due to living in an apartment or renting, many people find it challenging to take part.

That’s where Community Battery Ease steps in. 

Community batteries are mid-sized neighbourhood batteries that can soak up excess solar energy generated during the day. This energy is then fed back into the grid during peak times, such as the early evening when people are coming home and cooking dinner. Instead of using all grid energy, the community battery will lighten the load, meaning you use both grid and battery energy.

Community batteries – when done with consumers at heart – are a win-win for communities and help accelerate our progress towards a decarbonised electricity grid. Generating, sharing and using energy closest to its source can be a more affordable way to produce energy.

Here’s why Community Battery Ease is good for you – and good for the community.

Lowered energy costs with locally stored power

Helping to keep energy local helps us lower the cost of electricity delivered to your home. In fact, our Community

 Battery Ease product offers eligible electricity customers approximately 29% less than the reference price, a welcome reprieve amid increased cost-of-living pressures.

Community Battery Ease has a lowest possible price of $1,289 (incl. GST) for an average home using 3,900 kWh per year on a time of use tariff without controlled load in the Ausgrid network area.

Expanding participation in renewable energy for more people

Community Battery Ease opens new opportunities for more people to start their journey to participate in the renewable energy transition. Renters and apartment dwellers can access energy stored in the community battery, which charges during the day when solar generation is at its peak. While the community battery does not connect directly to your home, eligible customers can access the energy stored in the community battery, meaning your overall energy use may come from a mix of energy from the community battery and grid energy.

Enhanced grid stability

Solar generation is at its highest throughout the day, but demand isn't there to match. Community batteries help balance the grid by storing excess energy during the day and feeding it back when it's needed most. This process not only helps stabilise supply and demand, but also supports a more reliable energy network.

Help shape a brighter future

Community batteries are more than just a shared storage solution – they’re one of many tools to be used in the clean energy transition. By supporting your local community battery, you're helping drive initiatives that support the renewable energy transition.