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Ausgrid backs ENA call for EV charger rethink to benefit customers
Ausgrid backs ENA call for EV charger rethink to benefit customers

21 January 2025

Ausgrid has launched its sixth community battery under the Federal Government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar Program at Cammeray, further expanding the electricity distributor’s Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) initiative.

ESaaS, offered in partnership with Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia, allows eligible customers to gain the benefits of community battery storage without the upfront costs associated with installing a home battery system.

Ausgrid Group Executive Distributed Services Rob Amphlett Lewis said ESaaS could see eligible customers save hundreds of dollars a year on their power bills.

“Whether you have solar on your roof or not, Energy Storage as a Service allows customers to benefit from community batteries as if they are their own,” Mr Amphlett Lewis said.

“Through retailers Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia, eligible customers could enjoy savings of over $200 per year.

“Community Batteries absorb solar generation during the day and then feed it back to the network during peak times in the evening, putting downward pressure on energy prices.

“And because they store energy locally, they reduce reliance on the broader grid, driving additional cost savings.

Community batteries are an example of the huge opportunity which sits in the existing network to drive a faster, cheaper and more equitable energy transition.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen
Cammeray Community Battery Launch

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said the program is a win for consumers.

“Our Reliable Renewables Plan is bringing cleaner, cheaper and reliable renewable energy to communities across the country, including right here in North Sydney,” Mr Bowen said.

“The rain doesn’t always fall, but we always have water on tap because we store it for when we need it – batteries like the one in Cammeray will do the same thing with reliable and affordable renewable energy.”

The 200kW/284kWh community battery is Ausgrid’s 10th community battery operating in the network including Beacon Hill, Bankstown, Bondi, Cameron Park, Cabarita, Narara, Warriewood, North Epping and Bexley North.

The battery’s artwork "Homecoming" has been created by Hayley Pigram, a Dharug woman and artist and explores the concept of home and cultural connection.

It was sourced through the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative, an organisation dedicated to helping emerging first nations artists tell their stories through their art.

For more information on Energy Storage as a Service go to Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) - Ausgrid.