500 South Australian households are set to go energy-smart
This article was originally posted by Switched On Australia on 24th June 2024.By testing energy use in multiple homes in a real world setting ARENA hopes to unlock the potential of smart homes.
500 South Australian households are set to go energy-smart in a new project announced by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and electricity distributor SA Power Networks.
ARENA will kick in $6.2 million to SA Power Networks' $13.8 million 'Energy Masters' project, which will see consumer energy resources and smart energy appliances installed in 500 homes.
Participating households will receive subsidies to purchase a range of electric appliances including smart split-system air-conditioners, heat pump hot water, and smart EV chargers, along with a home energy management system (HEMS) to help them optimise their home energy use.
The aim of the project is to demonstrate the collective ability of multiple households to adjust their energy use in response to factors such as energy market signals or grid conditions.
The energy consumption of the participating households will be coordinated so they can make better use of the availability of renewable energy and alleviate strain on the electricity grid during periods of peak demand.
The Government of South Australia will work with SA Power Networks to recruit households for the project, and will also provide higher subsidies to enable low-income and households undergoing energy hardship to participate in the trial.
