An Australian-first pilot project in the Illawarra has successfully completed its initial stage, with 60 homes upgraded to cheaper and cleaner electric appliances as part of the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot.
Stage one, which launched in 2024, marks a major milestone as the program works toward a target of 500 all-electric homes.
“The way this community is mobilising to reduce household emissions brings a whole new meaning to ‘people power’,” Rewiring Australia Co-Founder and Chief Scientist Dr Saul Griffith said.
“The pilot shows individuals and families are willing to make changes to their homes to use renewable, locally made energy.
“This community effort will help pave the way for energy resilient communities across the country.”
The initiative is supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through its Advancing Renewables Program, with project partner Brighte delivering the upgrades alongside accredited installers.
So far, 13 installers — mostly local — have been accredited to support the work.
“What we’re learning from the pilot is invaluable for scaling home electrification across Australia,” Brighte Founder and CEO Katherine McConnell said.
“We’re seeing firsthand how critical it is to have streamlined processes that work for both homeowners and installers.”
McConnell added that supporting a growing installer workforce is central to the program’s success.
“Our installer network is at the heart of this transition — they’re the ones on the ground making electrification happen, and we’re committed to giving them the digital tools and financial solutions they need to grow their businesses and help more Australian homes make the switch,” she said.
A new report covering outcomes from stage one will help guide delivery across the remaining 440 homes required to meet the 500-home goal.
The pilot has engaged a mix of participants, though applications from renters and landlords remain low compared to their presence in the local housing market.
“We need more rental properties to participate to help their tenants reduce their cost of living, as well as learning from them for the research component of the pilot,” Dr Griffith said.
Network partner Endeavour Energy has increased grid monitoring in the region to assess the impact of more renewable energy and electrification.
“This pilot is a valuable opportunity to understand how our electricity network can support widespread electrification as well as better forecast and adapt to changes,” said Dr James Hazelton, Endeavour Energy’s Manager of Future Energy Strategy.
“By closely monitoring these homes, we’re gaining critical insights that will help us support a smarter, more resilient grid, one that can keep pace with the energy needs of tomorrow,” Dr Hazelton said.
The main rollout phase of the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot is now preparing to commence, with official offers for household participation expected shortly.
