Smart Energy Communities Tea Gardens

Thank you for your question. Whilst we are not aware of any evidence suggesting property values are negatively impacted due proximity to batteries (particularly where that property was located close to existing electricity infrastructure already) it is difficult to assess the impacts of batteries until we understand the available options for PLR. We would also suggest it is possible that property prices will be positively affected by the batteries as they assist in achieving Net Zero as well as providing benefits to the community. 

Once we have a list of the suitable battery options, we will let you know and ask each resident to either opt-in to the battery closest to them or opt-out. Based on the level of agreement we will decide which battery locations are feasible and worth our investment as part of the SEC trial.

Essential Energy strongly encourages residents to assess how SEC benefits will impact them (both positively or negatively, including any perceived or unintended negative impacts to the community as a whole). We are also discussing each stage of the SEC trial with PLR Management, so they can consider if our trial impacts their ability to meet their obligations to residents. We are very appreciative of PLR Management’s support to date.

Hi Jan,

thank you for your question it is a popular topic at the moment. Essential Energy intends to install the batteries with factory installed noise abetment, we anticipate this will alleviate noise concerns. In the event that there is still nuisance noise then Essential Energy would be looking to perform location-based studies as noise can be affected by existing background noise, local structures, and geographical features which cannot be readily anticipated before installation. We would then take remedial steps including, altering the way it operates, installing more noise mitigation solutions or shutting the system down for periods of time. It is correct that the noise is intermittent based on what the battery is being asked to do at a certain time.

thank you again for your question!

Smart Energy Communities Trial team

Customer offerings are yet to be determined and are predicated on a regulatory waiver.

 All the proposed battery have some level of operating noise. This noise level is dependent on the demand on the battery and ambient temperatures . Essential Energy is working with suppliers to investigate noise abatement solutions to further minimise operating noise.

Yes, we fully expect the use of battery storage to be financially benefical. As a safeguard, we will be applying a no disadvantage principle.

PLR will be offered the same opportunities as the residents of PLR, including residents with and without solar systems.

All stages of SEC are opt in, it is entirely your choice to participate.

Hello, 

There are a number of factors that influence requirements for formal permission, particularly whether the battery will be larger than the existing easements around the substations. 

Essential Energy intends to discuss the battery placement and logistics/legal considerations with both Tea Gardens PLR manager (Kym) and Palm Lakes Resort management in Qld once the battery tender has been finalised, as this will be when we can openly discuss the available /most suitable options for Tea Gardens.

Thank you for your question. There are a lot of variables for the battery sizing and capacity which are taken into account to determine the physical size. The survey question is intended to gauge how acceptable the different sized batteries would be to you. We will provide more detailed information in future, once we have finalised the battery tender evaluation. As the technical members of our team are on holidays this week I cannot give you an estimate, but I will post an additional response to this question early next week (if they are able to provide this information).