Cyclone Seroja update
With the network undergoing an exciting transformation, we’re evolving to give customers more choice around how they generate, use and store energy. One way we’re doing this, is with community batteries.
As part of our community battery program, we’re rolling out various batteries across Perth metro and regional WA to deliver immediate benefits to the local community and the grid. There are currently 13 community batteries across the network and there’s more to come!
So what is a community battery?
Watch the video to find out…
Batteries play a big part in connecting WA to a brighter energy future. There are currently three types of large-scale energy storage systems being used across our network:
Batteries benefit customers by improving power reliability, but they also benefit the grid by smoothing the load and helping to integrate renewables.
Watch this video to find out more…
Community batteries benefit the entire community, whether you have solar panels or not.
This is because they are placed in areas where the network needs upgrading or adjusting to maintain power reliability and quality. For example, for an older part of the network, there might be too much pressure on a transformer to accept two-way flow of power.
Community batteries solve this problem. They soak up any excess solar power and smooth the flow, improving power reliability and quality to customers.
It’s a win-win for customers and the grid. One of the benefits is that it provides opportunities for residents to trial innovative storage solutions, such as a PowerBank battery This virtual storage option allows households to feed their excess solar energy into the battery, then draw the energy back to power their homes during peak times.
Are community batteries and PowerBank batteries the same thing?
Some of the benefits of community batteries include:
"The time for community batteries is now", says Brenton Laws, Business Development Manager. Why?
Thinking about getting an in-home battery? Before you do, make sure you know about the standards.
With more community batteries being rolled out across Perth metro and regional WA, where the next community battery be located?
Well, that’s a good question.
The location of a community battery is carefully considered and based on a number of factors. One of the key factors is where there is a significant network need for a battery and making sure it will provide optimal benefit for local customers as well as the grid.
For example, in suburbs with a lot of rooftop solar, the battery would help soak up the excess solar power. But it’s not always the obvious locations that are in most need of a battery as Revana Boodhraj, our Senior Business Development Analyst, explains.
Read on to find out how we determine the best battery location...
In partnership with Synergy, we’re currently trialling PowerBank batteries in Ellenbrook, Falcon and Meadow Springs. These trials will provide participants with an alternative energy storage option to expensive in-home batteries.
The PowerBank batteries use Tesla battery technology made of lithium ion. Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk (Tesla's founder) are leading the way in new lithium ion battery technology and the future of electric vehicles.
Watch the video to find out about our latest community battery PowerBank trial in Ellenbrook.
Read more about our PowerBank projects here....