Towns across the Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire are set to become home to new energy systems providing power to selected community hubs in the case of a widespread outage.
Healesville, Warburton, Kallista, Monbulk and Olinda have been named as locations for energy hubs, providing a place for residents to shower, heat food and charge their devices in the case of a widespread outage.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio last week announced $7.5 million for crucial back-up power systems in 24 towns hit by major storms in 2021 – including batteries and rooftop solar on community buildings.
Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Environment and Infrastructure Bill Millard said more than 3,000 homes were without power and internet for more than a month after the June 2021 storm event, with 34 communities losing internet service and unable to call triple-0 for assistance.
“We supported Ausnet’s investigations into finding back up power solutions for future emergencies by providing recommendations on which buildings could be selected for this program, with guidance from local community groups such as Healesville CoRE and the Yarra Valley Community Power Hub,” Mr Millard said.
Selected townships may see options to improve energy resilience come in the form of solar installation, batteries or generators; depending on the physical characteristics and energy usage patterns of the building.
Emerald is believed to be on the list of selected townships, with a Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson confirming the location of the back-up power systems and the technology options going to be used are yet to be determined, as well as the timing of the works.
In a study of 24 towns, the government identified 24 towns to install the energy hubs, and will now begin to work with energy providers, local governments and emergency services organisations to deliver the new energy solutions.
Ms D’Ambrosio said with climate change set to increase the frequency and intensity of storms and bushfires, the state government is “developing energy resilience solutions to protect Victorian communities during extreme weather events”.
“We’re delivering renewable energy solutions to communities across the state – securing energy supply, driving down power bills and slashing emissions to combat climate change and mitigate its impact on Victorians,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
