Frequently Asked Questions
About Smart Energy Communities
What is happening?
Essential Energy is committed to providing a safe and reliable power supply to all customers across regional, rural and remote NSW. As the transition to more renewable energy continues, it’s important we have a greater understanding of our customers’ energy usage, to allow us to better plan for future energy services. To support this, we have established a pilot to assist us with accessing data on customer energy use across NSW.
How will you track and learn about my energy usage?
The Smart Energy Communities pilot involves installation of Wattwatchers smart energy management devices, with the MyEnergy app, for up to 200 Essential Energy network customer sites across three pilot communities. The recruitment of participants is being led by Wattwatchers.
The monitoring package - being provided at no cost to approved participants - is valued at over $900 at standard retail prices, and includes: hardware, pre-paid software, data and 4G communications subscriptions for three years (36 months), and installation by a licensed electrician.
Which towns can participate?
Three locations across NSW have been chosen to participate in the pilot. These are Ivanhoe, Tibooburra and Palm Lake Resort Tea Gardens. These locations represent a range of different communities and electricity network considerations for the project.
Who is eligible?
Eligible sites will include homes, businesses, schools and other community facilities, with recruitment starting immediately (March 2023) for installation by 28 April, 2023. Criteria for eligibility include:
• Being located in one of the pilot communities
• Provision of safe accessibility and available space in the customer’s meter box or electrical switchboard to install the energy monitoring device
• Consent to share energy data and receive offers through the MyEnergy app for up to two years.
Site recruitment was led by Wattwatchers and customers applied using an online form. Eligibility was evaluated, and applicants advised within five to seven business days as to whether or not they were approved for participation. The installation plan allows for a roughly equal split of up to 200 deployments between the three pilot communities, meaning 65-70 participants will be recruited from each community.
Wattwatchers Devices
Will it save me money?
Participants will be able to download the Wattwatchers MyEnergy app to access data and insights on their own energy usage, in real-time, which may help them to change energy usage or behaviour leading to possible cost savings. MyEnergy app users may also receive in-app offers, some with rewards attached, as well as personalised energy use insights.
What happens if the device isn’t working?
If the device stops working, or has other problems, the Wattwatchers support team will assess the situation. If problems cannot be fixed remotely, Wattwatchers will send an electrician to fix or replace it under warranty. We will liaise with you to confirm next steps if this occurs.
Where can I get help on using the MyEnergy app?
Wattwatchers is responsible for maintaining the monitoring device and service and provides online support to its customers via email: support@wattwatchers.com.au or use support options in the MyEnergy app or phone (02) 8316 7540.
Who will be responsible for the device?
Wattwatchers is responsible for maintaining the monitoring device and service and provides online support to its customers via email: support@wattwatchers.com.au or use support options in the MyEnergy app or phone (02) 8316 7540.
How long is the trial?
The Wattwatchers device pilot will run for two years, concluding March 2025.
Where will the device be located?
The monitoring device will be installed in your electrical switchboard.
What happens if the property is sold?
If you sell your property, let Wattwatchers know and they will liaise with the new owners. If the new owners choose not to be involved, the device will be disabled remotely or removed at no charge to them or yourself.
What happens at the end of the trial?
The monitoring package is valued at over $900 at standard retail prices, and includes: hardware; pre-paid software, data and 4G communications subscriptions for two years (24 months); and installation by a licensed electrician.
At the conclusion of the pilot, participating customers will have the option to keep the Wattwatchers monitoring equipment and MyEnergy app at their own cost for ongoing subscriptions (currently $60 a year plus GST), or to have the device removed by an electrician at no cost to them. Essential Energy may also seek to extend the data-sharing period for the pilot through further engagement with participants and their communities.
What are the benefits of the device?
The device will provide participants with smart energy management information including:
• User-friendly app and all subscriptions prepaid for three years
• Detailed data & intuitive tools to help you to reduce and optimise your electricity use
• Ongoing offers and opportunities to save money and reduce your environmental impact
For Essential Energy, the device will provide greater understanding of customer energy usage across NSW.
How long will it take to install?
It will take up to two hours for the licensed electrician to install the device and collect site information.
How do I apply to be involved?
Applications have now closed. To enquire about this program email smartenergycommunities@essentialenergy.com.au