Smart Energy Communities trial completed

Over the past two years, we have worked closely with the communities of Ivanhoe, Tibooburra and Tea Gardens as part of the Smart Energy Communities trial. Our aim was to collect and provide valuable energy usage data and insights. So, we hope like us, you have gained a deeper understanding of the emerging needs and options for affordable and reliable electricity supply and services.

We are pleased to inform you that the Smart Energy Communities trial has now come to an end. Throughout we meticulously assessed each stage, gaining significant learnings and insights. This will help us in planning for future energy services and ensuring a safe and reliable power supply for all our customers.

We are now moving to the next stage of planning to improve reliability and resilience in Ivanhoe and Tibooburra:

• In Ivanhoe, the generator has been successfully commissioned and is providing backup power to the township. Plans for installing a battery are underway, with the project currently in the design phase and anticipated for commissioning in 2026.
• In Tibooburra, the temporary generator on King Street has been completed and is capable of providing backup power to the township. Our future plans involve delivering a microgrid to enhance power supply reliability, with preliminary design and investigations already underway since early 2025.

Thank you for your participation and support in this important initiative. Your involvement has been crucial in helping us achieve these milestones. We hope you will continue your journey with us as we trial new approaches and adapt to the evolving energy landscape.

Keep an eye on our website for further updates: https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/our-network/future-energy.