Joint media release: Bill busting batteries switched on in Southwest Sydney

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Zhi Soon MP, Member for Banks

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering cost of living relief now, rolling out new community batteries that will help thousands of households cut their power bills each year. 

Two 5 MW batteries built and owned by Ausgrid, with funding from the Albanese Government, will help power homes in Bankstown, Yagoona, Padstow, Riverwood, Roselands, Revesby, Punchbowl, Mount Lewis, Condell Park and Beverly Hills. 

The Albanese Labor Government is also backing a further 45 community batteries right across Australia through ARENA funding, with these projects expected to be switched on over the next few months. 

These batteries will support communities in suburbs, regional centres and growing outer metropolitan areas, helping more households share in cheaper, cleaner energy and strengthening local grids as more rooftop solar comes online. 

The Community Batteries for Household Solar program is delivering 400 community batteries across Australia, making our energy system fairer and ensuring all Aussies can reap rewards from this renewable resource, regardless of if they have solar or not, are renters or homeowners. 

It means all local residents can sign up to the savings with Ausgrid’s retail partners Origin and EnergyAustralia. The network estimates this could save households up to $200 a year. 

Community batteries deliver lower energy costs and boost reliability by absorbing excess rooftop solar during the day and feeding it back to the grid at night. They can also avoid costly upgrades to the electricity network’s pole and wires. 

For eligible areas, please visit Check your ESaaS Eligibility - Ausgrid 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen: 

“The Albanese Government knows that Aussies are doing it tough, and these community batteries will go some way to help take the sting out of energy bills for locals every year.

“Community batteries are helping redefine how reliable renewable energy is delivered to homes and businesses across Australia, including in Southwestern Sydney.

"Only Labor is delivering the clean, cheap, reliable and resilient energy system that Australians deserve."

Quotes attributable to the Member for Banks Zhi Soon MP: 

“And at a time when cost of living pressures is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, the Albanese Government is making a real difference for locals right now.

“These community batteries will help lower household power bills and deliver much needed cost of living relief to people in our community. 

“The way we power our homes and businesses is changing and I’m proud to be supporting this innovation in our community, for our community.

“We know there is more to do, and I will continue to help build a better future for the Southwest Sydney."

ARENA Community Batteries being launched in coming months: