Community batteries: Let’s ensure that different models can thrive
Should ‘community batteries’* be owned by network operators? Maybe - or maybe not. At this early stage, we believe there should be paths to exploring and paving the way for both options.
Community batteries promise to change the way that homes and businesses engage with their energy and save money on their bills through new, clean technology options. The Commonwealth Government has committed to finance 400 community batteries around Australia in the next four years (until 2025/26).
This is great news. But we need to make sure that a variety of community battery ownership and participation models thrive, and to do this we need to create an environment of open data and competition.
Currently, the main entities who hold the data necessary to determine if a community battery project might be viable are electricity distribution network providers (DNSPs) - the companies who operate the poles, wires and other infrastructure that services homes and businesses.
Yarra Energy Foundation’s community battery in North Fitzroy. (Photo credit: Darren Gladman.)
In addition to DNSP-owned and operated projects (such as the Ausgrid Community Battery, which SwitchDin supports), other community battery models include:
Community-originated community battery projects like those for Totally Renewable Yackandandah and Yarra Environment Foundation
Community battery projects developed in partnership between DNSPs and retailers, like those in WA with Western Power and Synergy
Potential community battery projects owned and operated by local governments
Islandable microgrid approaches like the one in Mallacoota, or in stand-alone systems like Lockhart River
This is why SwitchDin has recommended to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) that this data should be made publicly available by the DNSPs, to create a level playing field for other types of companies, organisations or community groups who may wish to develop a community project for other purposes.
You can read our full submission to the AER here.
*'Community battery' is the official term being used by the Commonwealth Government for this particular consultation, which is the main reason we used it here.