A pilot program to electrify 500 homes in the Illawarra region has been announced to help lower emissions and energy bills through household electrification.
The $11.8 million energy project is a national first and will see the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) team up with Rewiring Australia, Brighte, and Endeavour Energy to spark change across the NSW South Coast.
Named the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot, after the location’s postcode, the project will provide participating residents with financial incentives, free upgrades and support to switch from gas to electric appliances as the government looks for ways to achieve its net zero by 2050 carbon goals.
The program will also collect valuable household data on the effectiveness of rapidly electrifying a concentrated community while assessing the impact on energy use and consumer attitudes — with a positive result set to power future electrification programs elsewhere.
Program sparks tradie demand
Rewiring Australia co-founder and chief scientist Dr Saul Griffith, says the pilot will spark more jobs for the region’s local tradies who will play an essential role in the energy change.
“The pilot aims to create the electric future in a real community today,” he said.
“Incentives and information will support households to make wise energy choices and coordination of tradespeople will facilitate the process.”
“Our research will uncover any barriers that make electrification harder than it should be and highlight market reforms required to make the transition economically efficient.”
Katherine McConnell, CEO of Brighte, a company that administers large-scale electrification programs, says the local tradies will play a central role in the project.
“Tradespeople are key to the neighbourhood transition to electric homes,” she said.
“This pilot will help us understand how to scale and commercialise home electrification, including how best to overcome economic and practical challenges faced by tradies and homeowners in electrifying their homes.”
“Brighte’s platform and processes bring everything together, connecting customers with accredited local installers, approved products and competitive finance. Brighte is ready to support communities around the country to help them rapidly electrify.”
Locals get electrifying incentives
The pilot will offer lucky residents of the 2515 postcode subsidies of up to $1,000 on electric hot water systems, reverse cycle air conditioners, and induction cooktops.
Homeowners can also receive up to $1,500 off the cost of home solar batteries, a smart energy device and switchboard upgrades to help support and monitor their energy usage.
The incentives should help residents power up their bank balance through substantial savings on future energy bills when living costs are a growing concern.
Illawarra, a local and resident of 2515 suburb Thirroul, Tom Clark, told Build-it that he was eager to participate in the program to help spark some savings on his utilities.
“It would be great to reduce some of our energy costs, and being able to upgrade some of our older and power-hungry appliances will make a big difference to that in the long run,” he said.
“I feel like many of these electrification changes will become mandatory in the long run regardless, so I am happy to opt in for the help while it’s there.”
Rewiring Australia Co-founder and Executive Director Dan Cass said the program would help locals like Tom save some cash and the environment.
“The world is moving towards electrification – it’s cheaper for householders and better for the environment,” he said.
“The technology is ready, and the way this community has campaigned so hard for this pilot shows Australians are ready too.”
Illawarra residents can apply for the program here.
