Batteries
Does Essential Energy provide customers with subsidies to install household batteries?
Currently Essential Energy has less than 1% of customers with a battery installed. We would encourage customers to obtain independent assessment on their energy requirements and suitability of battery systems for their individual circumstances.
If Essential Energy were to provide customers with subsidies, these costs would be passed on to all customers.
Customers with batteries may also be able to take advantage of the new Sun Soaker Two Way Tariff from 1 July 2025. This tariff will pay a rebate to customers who are able to export from 5pm-8pm.
Will the community receive payment for exporting energy to community batteries during the evening?
As a regulated DNSP, there are limitations on what Essential Energy can do in this space. Things like community batteries and community energy models need to be led by the market/third-parties.
Still, Essential Energy is currently exploring options where customer benefits can be maximised through network-led community energy models. We aim to explore this as part of our Smart Energy Communities trial. Find out more here: https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/our-network/network-projects/smart-energy-communities
What fire and safety regulations are there for household batteries?
The relevant Product Manufacturer Standards and consumer laws apply. Installers of electrical equipment, such as Accredited Service Providers, must follow Australian Standards and the installation rules of how electrical equipment is connected to the network.
What type of batteries are installed on Essential Energy’s network?
Essential Energy considers emerging technologies when looking at potential solutions. We are committed to utilising cost effective technologies where suitable to both customer requirements and our technical requirements.
Essential Energy has established a trial of Hydrogen based SAPs and will continue to review new technologies as they become technically and commercially available.
How much power will community batteries store?
Storage depends on the size of the battery. Essential Energy has successfully secured funding for three community batteries as part of the Australian Government's Communities Batteries for Household Solar Program. Work is now underway to design and install community batteries in Leeton, Goulburn and Maloneys Beach by early 2025. These batteries store 500kWh.
Does Essential Energy turn off its network during days of extreme bushfire risk or high winds?
Essential Energy does not turn off its network during days of extreme bushfire risk or high winds, but may turn off its network if there is a direction from emergency services in order to manage risk to the public.
While turning the network off may reduce some bushfire risk, turning off power to our customers also introduces public safety risks.
Essential Energy is currently evaluating whether turning off small sections of network during periods of catastrophic bushfire risk would be reasonable i.e. whether the benefits would outweigh the introduced impacts to the public.
Any decision to implement the practice of turning off the network during high fire risk weather would involve extensive stakeholder engagement prior to implementation to shape the decision-making process.
Where will pole top batteries be located?
Pole top batteries will be located in regions where there are network constraints and batteries are identified as a suitable solution. During 2024 pole top batteries will be installed in Port Macquarie, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Armidale.