A new community battery being delivered by SA Power Networks in partnership with Flinders Ranges Council will support locals during prolonged power outages in the area.
The battery will be installed at the Hawker Community Sports Centre and is part of a statewide project, jointly funded by SA Power Networks and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), that will see eight batteries with different use-cases installed across regional South Australia.
One of the previously announced projects is a community resilience solution in Kimbra, which will provide up to eight hours of back-up power during outages.
Flinders Ranges Council CEO, Sean Holden, said the region has experienced prolonged outages over the last few months, so the council is pleased to be working with SA Power Networks to improve the resilience of its community.
“It is our more vulnerable individuals and families that need support the most during unexpected outages and the battery will provide backup power to a community facility that is well positioned to support them.”
SA Power Networks Operations Manager, Chris Bennett, said, “We understand the inconvenience these outages have caused, and we thank customers for their patience and support over the past few months. Our priority is to ensure a safe and efficient power restoration process.
“This partnership with The Flinders Ranges Council reflects our shared goal to improve the resilience of the township, offering peace of mind to residents during power outages,” he said.
“In addition, we continue to work with the South Australian Government and transmission network operator, ElectraNet, to ensure the long-term security of the region’s electricity supply.”
SA Power Networks and the Council will together run a Community Information Session at the Hawker Community Sports Centre on Tuesday 17 June, from 5.30–6.30pm, immediately before the Council’s ordinary council meeting.
The expected timeframe for installation of the battery is late in 2025.
