Victoria’s $7.5 million Energy Resilience Solutions (ERS) program is now complete, aiming to keep the lights on and services running if a fire or storm damages local power lines.
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, visited the energy resilience hub at Cockatoo to announce the completion of the ERS program.
There are now 24 community energy hubs across Victoria that are equipped with solar panels, batteries and generators that provide power back up during a severe storm event and help to keep essential services running during prolonged power outages.
The energy hubs are located in high-risk areas for severe weather impacts like the Yarra Ranges, Gippsland, Dandenong Ranges and along the Great Ocean Road.
The hubs have already had a positive impact with a number of systems kicking in – including in the neighbouring towns of Emerald and Gembrook – during the storms in February 2024.
The Victorian Government said it means communities have a reliable place to gather, charge devices, heat food, access hot water and stay connected during emergencies.
The community hubs are also expected to reduce reliance on diesel generators as a primary back-up, lowering energy costs for local councils that operate the facilities.
The Cockatoo energy resilience hub opened in 2024 and has a 13.6kW solar array, 52kWh battery and a backup generator supplying three buildings which provide a safe place to get information, charge devices and cook during a prolonged outage.
The Victorian Government said in addition, energy backup systems are also being deployed in Omeo and town wide microgrids in Mallacoota and Corryong through the Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program. The 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program also includes funding batteries that can power publicly accessible buildings during grid outages.
Ms D’Ambrosio said, “By investing in local energy solutions and acting on the lessons of past outages, we’re ensuring stronger protections for local communities that experience power outages.”
Victorian Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino, said, “These energy back-up hubs are a lifeline during prolonged power outages, ensuring families have somewhere safe and secure to go to charge their devices and access hot water.”
