Home batteries for renters? A solution could be coming soon
Energy companies, aided by advanced software, can use these networks as a single 'virtual' power plant to send bursts of electricity into the grid when needed, such as afternoon peak energy usage periods, when people return from work, when coal plants are faltering due to technical issues or when cloudy and windy weather is cutting output from large-scale solar and wind farms.
A household battery delivers savings by charging on free solar power from rooftop panels during the day and discharging at night to power the house when demand on the electricity grid rises, driving up prices. An appropriate-sized battery could significantly cut or even remove the electricity bill of a typical household in Melbourne and Sydney, which pays $1500 to $2000 a year for electricity.
Origin Energy general manager of retail Jon Briskin said an 'enormous amount' of home battery storage coming online could be looped into a VPP.
'We see it as a core part of a cleaner and cheaper energy system … and it should lower customers' energy costs,' Briskin said.
Why would energy providers want to use this system? For the simple reason that it could be cheaper than the alternative: either building gas plants or large-scale batteries to power thousands of homes at once.
Former renter Caroline Edwards and her partner, Graeme, wanted to install solar panels and a battery at their house to cut their bills and contribute to lowering emissions from the electricity grid, but they were reluctant to speak to their landlord about getting solar panels and batteries.
'We would also have been happy to contribute something to that investment. We had a great landlord, but we were hesitant to ask him because there was no immediate financial return for him,' said Caroline, who moved into her own property in November.
'We were also hesitant because if we were to put forward a proposal for our investment as part of that, we have no rental security.'
Loading
The Edwardses are also landlords of a rented property, and Caroline said it should be imperative for governments to encourage renters and landlords to invest in solar and batteries.
'Literally, any support that we can get to make this an easier process for us to move forward with would be very gratefully received.'
Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the government was already helping renters and low-income households access cheaper clean energy through the government's $100 million Solar Banks program for rooftop solar to power rented apartments, as well as investing in energy-efficient upgrades to social housing, with insulation upgrades, home batteries and efficient appliances.
Solar Citizens campaigner Charlie Rodrick said renters had been too long locked out of the clean energy transition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
19-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Home batteries for renters? A solution could be coming soon
This network of homes gives the energy provider access to a significant volume of electricity generated by solar panels as well as that stored in batteries. Energy companies, aided by advanced software, can use these networks as a single 'virtual' power plant to send bursts of electricity into the grid when needed, such as afternoon peak energy usage periods, when people return from work, when coal plants are faltering due to technical issues or when cloudy and windy weather is cutting output from large-scale solar and wind farms. A household battery delivers savings by charging on free solar power from rooftop panels during the day and discharging at night to power the house when demand on the electricity grid rises, driving up prices. An appropriate-sized battery could significantly cut or even remove the electricity bill of a typical household in Melbourne and Sydney, which pays $1500 to $2000 a year for electricity. Origin Energy general manager of retail Jon Briskin said an 'enormous amount' of home battery storage coming online could be looped into a VPP. 'We see it as a core part of a cleaner and cheaper energy system … and it should lower customers' energy costs,' Briskin said. Why would energy providers want to use this system? For the simple reason that it could be cheaper than the alternative: either building gas plants or large-scale batteries to power thousands of homes at once. Former renter Caroline Edwards and her partner, Graeme, wanted to install solar panels and a battery at their house to cut their bills and contribute to lowering emissions from the electricity grid, but they were reluctant to speak to their landlord about getting solar panels and batteries. 'We would also have been happy to contribute something to that investment. We had a great landlord, but we were hesitant to ask him because there was no immediate financial return for him,' said Caroline, who moved into her own property in November. 'We were also hesitant because if we were to put forward a proposal for our investment as part of that, we have no rental security.' Loading The Edwardses are also landlords of a rented property, and Caroline said it should be imperative for governments to encourage renters and landlords to invest in solar and batteries. 'Literally, any support that we can get to make this an easier process for us to move forward with would be very gratefully received.' Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the government was already helping renters and low-income households access cheaper clean energy through the government's $100 million Solar Banks program for rooftop solar to power rented apartments, as well as investing in energy-efficient upgrades to social housing, with insulation upgrades, home batteries and efficient appliances. Solar Citizens campaigner Charlie Rodrick said renters had been too long locked out of the clean energy transition.
The Age
19-07-2025
- The Age
Home batteries for renters? A solution could be coming soon
This network of homes gives the energy provider access to a significant volume of electricity generated by solar panels as well as that stored in batteries. Energy companies, aided by advanced software, can use these networks as a single 'virtual' power plant to send bursts of electricity into the grid when needed, such as afternoon peak energy usage periods, when people return from work, when coal plants are faltering due to technical issues or when cloudy and windy weather is cutting output from large-scale solar and wind farms. A household battery delivers savings by charging on free solar power from rooftop panels during the day and discharging at night to power the house when demand on the electricity grid rises, driving up prices. An appropriate-sized battery could significantly cut or even remove the electricity bill of a typical household in Melbourne and Sydney, which pays $1500 to $2000 a year for electricity. Origin Energy general manager of retail Jon Briskin said an 'enormous amount' of home battery storage coming online could be looped into a VPP. 'We see it as a core part of a cleaner and cheaper energy system … and it should lower customers' energy costs,' Briskin said. Why would energy providers want to use this system? For the simple reason that it could be cheaper than the alternative: either building gas plants or large-scale batteries to power thousands of homes at once. Former renter Caroline Edwards and her partner, Graeme, wanted to install solar panels and a battery at their house to cut their bills and contribute to lowering emissions from the electricity grid, but they were reluctant to speak to their landlord about getting solar panels and batteries. 'We would also have been happy to contribute something to that investment. We had a great landlord, but we were hesitant to ask him because there was no immediate financial return for him,' said Caroline, who moved into her own property in November. 'We were also hesitant because if we were to put forward a proposal for our investment as part of that, we have no rental security.' Loading The Edwardses are also landlords of a rented property, and Caroline said it should be imperative for governments to encourage renters and landlords to invest in solar and batteries. 'Literally, any support that we can get to make this an easier process for us to move forward with would be very gratefully received.' Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the government was already helping renters and low-income households access cheaper clean energy through the government's $100 million Solar Banks program for rooftop solar to power rented apartments, as well as investing in energy-efficient upgrades to social housing, with insulation upgrades, home batteries and efficient appliances. Solar Citizens campaigner Charlie Rodrick said renters had been too long locked out of the clean energy transition.
The Advertiser
13-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Mayor's plea: don't let the clock run out on Lake in Eraring closure
Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz wants direct government intervention to soften the $4.5 billion hit to the city's economy when Eraring power station closes. Cr Shultz has called an extraordinary council meeting for Monday to lobby the government for support before the closure of the power station, slated in two years, takes about 1800 jobs and $4.5 billion out of the local economy. He said the loss of a generational employer would have long-lasting effects on the region and could be devastating for the local economy if not handled properly. "Local businesses are really going to feel an impact, and hence why the federal government needs to step in and provide that additional support," Cr Shultz said. "We have been doing a lot as a local council to put Lake Macquarie on the map, but in terms of the structure shift in our economy - it is happening. And we are really imploring the federal government to come and provide that assistance." Eraring is the largest coal-fired power station in the country. Combined with its auxiliary industries, it employs almost 2000 workers and accounts for about 15 per cent of Lake Macquarie's economy. While Origin Energy had supported its direct workforce through its transition, Cr Shultz said Lake Macquarie was "imploring" the federal and state government to deliver for the region to ease the inevitable tear of displaced workers The energy workers' union, which is also lobbying the federal government's Net Zero Economy Authority for support, said its members were facing an existential crisis as the sector lurched towards its sunset. "Transition support from employers has been patchy, and many workers are unsure where they'll find new jobs once the power station closes," Mining and Energy Union general secretary Grahame Kelly told the Newcastle Herald. "We know from experience that poorly managed industry closures leave long-lasting scars on workers, families and whole communities. The Albanese government's Net Zero Economy Authority is a real opportunity to do things differently and meet its commitment of leaving no one behind in the energy transition." The federal government has consulted on an energy industry jobs plan to support workers and local economies reliant on large employers. The government has said the plan would provide career planning, training and financial advice to workers, as well as paid time off to attend interviews and engage with new employers and unions. Cr Shultz said he would like to see support, particularly around Lake Macquarie, to repurpose disused mining and energy land to assist the industrial shift. "There are potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs on some old mining sites and energy areas that have produced good, stable employment for generations," he said. "They could be repurposed to provide new jobs in the future and attract those new businesses." Mr Kelly said Eraring's closure should set the standard for the national energy sector's decarbonisation, and give workers confidence they they would not be abandoned. "We want Eraring to set an example," he said. "The (authority) has the power to apply an energy industry jobs plan to the Eraring closure. That would create a structured, enforceable framework for supporting workers at Origin and the many contractors and suppliers who keep the power station running." Lake Macquarie City Council will convene its extraordinary meeting on Monday, July 14, in which Cr Shultz will call a vote that the council will lobby the Net Zero Economy Authority to bring its jobs plan to the region. "If we have the Net Zero Economy Authority here, working on Eraring, then they get a first-hand look at what is next for Lake Macquarie," he said. Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz wants direct government intervention to soften the $4.5 billion hit to the city's economy when Eraring power station closes. Cr Shultz has called an extraordinary council meeting for Monday to lobby the government for support before the closure of the power station, slated in two years, takes about 1800 jobs and $4.5 billion out of the local economy. He said the loss of a generational employer would have long-lasting effects on the region and could be devastating for the local economy if not handled properly. "Local businesses are really going to feel an impact, and hence why the federal government needs to step in and provide that additional support," Cr Shultz said. "We have been doing a lot as a local council to put Lake Macquarie on the map, but in terms of the structure shift in our economy - it is happening. And we are really imploring the federal government to come and provide that assistance." Eraring is the largest coal-fired power station in the country. Combined with its auxiliary industries, it employs almost 2000 workers and accounts for about 15 per cent of Lake Macquarie's economy. While Origin Energy had supported its direct workforce through its transition, Cr Shultz said Lake Macquarie was "imploring" the federal and state government to deliver for the region to ease the inevitable tear of displaced workers The energy workers' union, which is also lobbying the federal government's Net Zero Economy Authority for support, said its members were facing an existential crisis as the sector lurched towards its sunset. "Transition support from employers has been patchy, and many workers are unsure where they'll find new jobs once the power station closes," Mining and Energy Union general secretary Grahame Kelly told the Newcastle Herald. "We know from experience that poorly managed industry closures leave long-lasting scars on workers, families and whole communities. The Albanese government's Net Zero Economy Authority is a real opportunity to do things differently and meet its commitment of leaving no one behind in the energy transition." The federal government has consulted on an energy industry jobs plan to support workers and local economies reliant on large employers. The government has said the plan would provide career planning, training and financial advice to workers, as well as paid time off to attend interviews and engage with new employers and unions. Cr Shultz said he would like to see support, particularly around Lake Macquarie, to repurpose disused mining and energy land to assist the industrial shift. "There are potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs on some old mining sites and energy areas that have produced good, stable employment for generations," he said. "They could be repurposed to provide new jobs in the future and attract those new businesses." Mr Kelly said Eraring's closure should set the standard for the national energy sector's decarbonisation, and give workers confidence they they would not be abandoned. "We want Eraring to set an example," he said. "The (authority) has the power to apply an energy industry jobs plan to the Eraring closure. That would create a structured, enforceable framework for supporting workers at Origin and the many contractors and suppliers who keep the power station running." Lake Macquarie City Council will convene its extraordinary meeting on Monday, July 14, in which Cr Shultz will call a vote that the council will lobby the Net Zero Economy Authority to bring its jobs plan to the region. "If we have the Net Zero Economy Authority here, working on Eraring, then they get a first-hand look at what is next for Lake Macquarie," he said. Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz wants direct government intervention to soften the $4.5 billion hit to the city's economy when Eraring power station closes. Cr Shultz has called an extraordinary council meeting for Monday to lobby the government for support before the closure of the power station, slated in two years, takes about 1800 jobs and $4.5 billion out of the local economy. He said the loss of a generational employer would have long-lasting effects on the region and could be devastating for the local economy if not handled properly. "Local businesses are really going to feel an impact, and hence why the federal government needs to step in and provide that additional support," Cr Shultz said. "We have been doing a lot as a local council to put Lake Macquarie on the map, but in terms of the structure shift in our economy - it is happening. And we are really imploring the federal government to come and provide that assistance." Eraring is the largest coal-fired power station in the country. Combined with its auxiliary industries, it employs almost 2000 workers and accounts for about 15 per cent of Lake Macquarie's economy. While Origin Energy had supported its direct workforce through its transition, Cr Shultz said Lake Macquarie was "imploring" the federal and state government to deliver for the region to ease the inevitable tear of displaced workers The energy workers' union, which is also lobbying the federal government's Net Zero Economy Authority for support, said its members were facing an existential crisis as the sector lurched towards its sunset. "Transition support from employers has been patchy, and many workers are unsure where they'll find new jobs once the power station closes," Mining and Energy Union general secretary Grahame Kelly told the Newcastle Herald. "We know from experience that poorly managed industry closures leave long-lasting scars on workers, families and whole communities. The Albanese government's Net Zero Economy Authority is a real opportunity to do things differently and meet its commitment of leaving no one behind in the energy transition." The federal government has consulted on an energy industry jobs plan to support workers and local economies reliant on large employers. The government has said the plan would provide career planning, training and financial advice to workers, as well as paid time off to attend interviews and engage with new employers and unions. Cr Shultz said he would like to see support, particularly around Lake Macquarie, to repurpose disused mining and energy land to assist the industrial shift. "There are potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs on some old mining sites and energy areas that have produced good, stable employment for generations," he said. "They could be repurposed to provide new jobs in the future and attract those new businesses." Mr Kelly said Eraring's closure should set the standard for the national energy sector's decarbonisation, and give workers confidence they they would not be abandoned. "We want Eraring to set an example," he said. "The (authority) has the power to apply an energy industry jobs plan to the Eraring closure. That would create a structured, enforceable framework for supporting workers at Origin and the many contractors and suppliers who keep the power station running." Lake Macquarie City Council will convene its extraordinary meeting on Monday, July 14, in which Cr Shultz will call a vote that the council will lobby the Net Zero Economy Authority to bring its jobs plan to the region. "If we have the Net Zero Economy Authority here, working on Eraring, then they get a first-hand look at what is next for Lake Macquarie," he said. Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz wants direct government intervention to soften the $4.5 billion hit to the city's economy when Eraring power station closes. Cr Shultz has called an extraordinary council meeting for Monday to lobby the government for support before the closure of the power station, slated in two years, takes about 1800 jobs and $4.5 billion out of the local economy. He said the loss of a generational employer would have long-lasting effects on the region and could be devastating for the local economy if not handled properly. "Local businesses are really going to feel an impact, and hence why the federal government needs to step in and provide that additional support," Cr Shultz said. "We have been doing a lot as a local council to put Lake Macquarie on the map, but in terms of the structure shift in our economy - it is happening. And we are really imploring the federal government to come and provide that assistance." Eraring is the largest coal-fired power station in the country. Combined with its auxiliary industries, it employs almost 2000 workers and accounts for about 15 per cent of Lake Macquarie's economy. While Origin Energy had supported its direct workforce through its transition, Cr Shultz said Lake Macquarie was "imploring" the federal and state government to deliver for the region to ease the inevitable tear of displaced workers The energy workers' union, which is also lobbying the federal government's Net Zero Economy Authority for support, said its members were facing an existential crisis as the sector lurched towards its sunset. "Transition support from employers has been patchy, and many workers are unsure where they'll find new jobs once the power station closes," Mining and Energy Union general secretary Grahame Kelly told the Newcastle Herald. "We know from experience that poorly managed industry closures leave long-lasting scars on workers, families and whole communities. The Albanese government's Net Zero Economy Authority is a real opportunity to do things differently and meet its commitment of leaving no one behind in the energy transition." The federal government has consulted on an energy industry jobs plan to support workers and local economies reliant on large employers. The government has said the plan would provide career planning, training and financial advice to workers, as well as paid time off to attend interviews and engage with new employers and unions. Cr Shultz said he would like to see support, particularly around Lake Macquarie, to repurpose disused mining and energy land to assist the industrial shift. "There are potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs on some old mining sites and energy areas that have produced good, stable employment for generations," he said. "They could be repurposed to provide new jobs in the future and attract those new businesses." Mr Kelly said Eraring's closure should set the standard for the national energy sector's decarbonisation, and give workers confidence they they would not be abandoned. "We want Eraring to set an example," he said. "The (authority) has the power to apply an energy industry jobs plan to the Eraring closure. That would create a structured, enforceable framework for supporting workers at Origin and the many contractors and suppliers who keep the power station running." Lake Macquarie City Council will convene its extraordinary meeting on Monday, July 14, in which Cr Shultz will call a vote that the council will lobby the Net Zero Economy Authority to bring its jobs plan to the region. "If we have the Net Zero Economy Authority here, working on Eraring, then they get a first-hand look at what is next for Lake Macquarie," he said.
