Regional Microgrids Program

Our Regional Microgrid Project

Essential Energy is exploring new ways of delivering reliable, resilient and sustainable electricity across regional New South Wales. One of the ways we’re doing this is through the development of regional microgrids—local energy systems designed to support communities now and into the future.

This project is focused on strengthening electricity supply in regional areas, particularly where communities can be more exposed to power disruptions caused by extreme weather, bushfires or network constraints. By using local energy resources and modern technology, microgrids can help keep the lights on when it matters most.

Our current program will see microgrids delivered to the communities of:

  • Bendemeer, NSW
  • Bendick Murrell, NSW
  • Sunset Strip, NSW
  • Wilcannia, NSW

What is a microgrid?

A microgrid is a small, local electricity system that generates and manages power close to where it’s used. It can include technologies such as solar panels, battery storage and smart control systems that work together to supply electricity to a defined area.

Microgrids can operate alongside the existing electricity network, or independently if needed. This means they can continue supplying power locally during outages or disruptions on the wider network.

In simple terms, a microgrid gives communities another layer of energy support.

How microgrids can benefit communities

By generating and storing energy locally, they can help improve the reliability of electricity supply—particularly during emergencies or unplanned outages.

They also support the increased use of renewable energy, helping reduce emissions and make better use of local resources. Over time, microgrids can contribute to a more flexible, resilient energy system that supports regional growth and sustainability.

For communities, this means greater energy security, stronger resilience, and a more sustainable way of powering everyday life.

Our Regional Microgrid Project

Essential Energy is exploring new ways of delivering reliable, resilient and sustainable electricity across regional New South Wales. One of the ways we’re doing this is through the development of regional microgrids—local energy systems designed to support communities now and into the future.

This project is focused on strengthening electricity supply in regional areas, particularly where communities can be more exposed to power disruptions caused by extreme weather, bushfires or network constraints. By using local energy resources and modern technology, microgrids can help keep the lights on when it matters most.

Our current program will see microgrids delivered to the communities of:

  • Bendemeer, NSW
  • Bendick Murrell, NSW
  • Sunset Strip, NSW
  • Wilcannia, NSW

What is a microgrid?

A microgrid is a small, local electricity system that generates and manages power close to where it’s used. It can include technologies such as solar panels, battery storage and smart control systems that work together to supply electricity to a defined area.

Microgrids can operate alongside the existing electricity network, or independently if needed. This means they can continue supplying power locally during outages or disruptions on the wider network.

In simple terms, a microgrid gives communities another layer of energy support.

How microgrids can benefit communities

By generating and storing energy locally, they can help improve the reliability of electricity supply—particularly during emergencies or unplanned outages.

They also support the increased use of renewable energy, helping reduce emissions and make better use of local resources. Over time, microgrids can contribute to a more flexible, resilient energy system that supports regional growth and sustainability.

For communities, this means greater energy security, stronger resilience, and a more sustainable way of powering everyday life.

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  • Will the village of Murringo and surrounds be included in the Bendick Murrell program? Can individuals opt in and opt out of the program? If someone installs a battery to their solar system to provide a supply of energy during a black out will their battery supply be reduced by other people in the area also drawing on it? If so will people be compensated for the reduced value of their investment? Will the supply charge for the area increase to pay for the micro grid? Please note that I may share answers to these questions with the local Community through our newsletter, Facebook and other information sites.

    Paul Morris - Murringo, NSW asked 7 days ago

    Hi Paul,

    Thanks for your questions.

    The Bendick Murrell Microgrid will support approximately 760 homes and businesses throughout the Bendick Murrell, Murringo, Koorawatha, and surrounding areas.

    Can individuals opt in or opt out of the microgrid program?

    No. Customers cannot opt in or opt out of the microgrid.

    This is because the microgrid acts as a backup power supply for the whole area, rather than something individuals sign up to. Most of the time, electricity will continue to be supplied from the main power grid, just as it is today. If the main high‑voltage powerlines supplying the area from Cowra or Young are damaged or taken out of service, the microgrid can automatically step in to keep power flowing until the main supply is restored. 

    If customers have their own solar and battery, will other people draw power from it during a blackout?

    No. The microgrid has its own, separate batteries.

    When the microgrid is operating during an outage, electricity is supplied from the microgrid’s batteries, not from batteries installed at individual homes. Customers personal solar battery remains private and is not accessed or shared with other customers. 

    If so, will people be compensated for reduced battery value?

    This doesn’t apply.

    The microgrid will not use or draw power from private home batteries, so there is no impact on the performance of individual battery systems. 

    Will electricity supply charges increase because of the microgrid?

    No. There is no additional charge for customers because of the microgrid.

    If the power goes down, what’s the cost difference for someone with a home battery with and without the microgrid?

    There is no cost difference.

    If you have a battery at home, you can still use your own stored energy during a power outage, just as you would today. The presence of the microgrid does not change how your personal battery works or how it is used.

    The microgrid has its own separate batteries that supply power to the area during an outage. It does not access or draw energy from home batteries, and you are not charged for using your own stored energy. 

    If the power goes down while the microgrid is operating, do normal electricity charges still apply?

    Yes — electricity pricing works the same way it does now.

    When the microgrid is supplying power during an outage, customers continue to be billed under their existing electricity plans. There are no special or additional charges for power supplied by the microgrid, and no change to how electricity use or solar exports are treated.

    Kind regards,

    Josh 

Page last updated: 23 Mar 2026, 04:47 PM