The Victorian Government is taking community power to the next level, launching round three of its ambitious neighbourhood battery initiative. With $6.6 million in fresh funding, they’re bringing more shared batteries to local communities across the state, and the benefits are already rolling in.
What Are Neighbourhood Batteries
Think of these batteries as your neighbourhood’s shared power bank. They soak up extra solar energy during sunny days and dish it out when everyone needs it most, like during those peak evening hours when we’re all cooking dinner and running the air conditioning. It’s a simple idea that’s making a real difference in keeping energy bills manageable and our power supply reliable.
According to the Victorian Government, the program aims to improve energy equity, enhance grid reliability, and maximise the use of renewables at the local level.
Scaling Up Across the State
The program already has 90 neighbourhood batteries up and running, and this new round of funding will push that number past 100. Grants of up to $400,000 per battery are available, with applications open to community organisations, local councils, schools, and businesses. Details are available on the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program page.
This third funding round opens on 15 July and will further support projects that align with Victoria’s broader energy and climate goals.
Real Savings and Backup Support
The real success stories are in the details. Take Housing Choices Australia, for example. They’ve set up six neighbourhood batteries across social housing sites, and tenants are now saving around $200 a year on their electricity bills. On top of that, the batteries provide up to five hours of backup power during outages, helping to keep essential services running when the grid goes down. These outcomes were highlighted in Mirage News.
The Salvation Army has also jumped on board, installing batteries at 22 locations across Victoria, including food banks and crisis accommodation centres. The projected savings? Nearly $790,000 – funds that can be redirected straight into frontline community services.
Part of a Bigger Energy Shift
Victoria’s neighbourhood battery initiative fits neatly into a broader national shift toward greater energy efficiency. A recent report covered by The Guardian suggests that Australian households could cut their power bills by more than 90 percent through measures like improved insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and combining rooftop solar with battery storage.
How to Get Involved
If you want to be a part of the next phase, the applications for the latest funding round open on 15 July. More information and eligibility details can be found on the Victorian Government’s energy website.
It’s encouraging to see Victoria leading the way with real, local solutions to the energy challenges we all face. These neighbourhood batteries aren’t just about storing power, they’re about building stronger, more resilient communities.
