Victoria has successfully concluded its $7.5 million Energy Resilience Solutions (ERS) programme, designed to maintain essential services and power during incidents such as fires or storms that may disrupt local electricity supply.
The announcement of the programme’s completion was made by Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, during her visit to the energy resilience hub situated in Cockatoo.
Expanded Community Energy Hubs Across Victoria
The programme has established 24 community energy hubs across the state, all equipped with solar panels, batteries, and generators. These solutions are intended to provide power back-up during extreme weather events, ensuring essential services remain operational during extended outages.
The hubs are strategically placed in regions that are prone to severe weather impacts, including the Yarra Ranges, Gippsland, Dandenong Ranges, and along the scenic Great Ocean Road.
Effective Response During Recent Storms
Many of these energy hubs have already demonstrated their value, with systems activated during the storms that struck in February 2024, particularly benefiting neighbouring towns such as Emerald and Gembrook.
The Victorian Government highlighted that these facilities offer communities a dependable location to gather, recharge their devices, prepare meals, access hot water, and remain connected in times of emergency.
Reducing Diesel Generator Reliance
These community hubs are also anticipated to diminish the reliance on diesel generators for back-up power, thus lowering energy expenses for local councils responsible for managing the facilities.
The Cockatoo energy resilience hub, which opened in 2024, features a 13.6kW solar array, a 52kWh battery, and a backup generator, jointly serving three buildings that provide a secure environment for residents to obtain information, charge their devices, and cook during extended outages.
Further Energy Initiatives in Victoria
The Victorian Government announced the deployment of additional energy backup systems in areas such as Omeo, as well as community-wide microgrids in Mallacoota and Corryong, part of the Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Programme. Furthermore, the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Programme is contributing funding for batteries that can supply power to publicly accessible buildings during power grid failures.
Ms D’Ambrosio remarked, “Through investments in local energy solutions and learning from previous outages, we are enhancing protections for communities that face power disruptions.”
Victorian Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino, added, “These energy back-up hubs serve as a vital resource during lengthy power outages, providing families with a safe and secure area to charge their devices and access hot water.”