SA Power Networks has announced it will lead the Energy Masters project, a collaborative initiative aimed at demonstrating the benefits of demand flexibility and smart electric homes.
The project has received $6.2 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), contributing to its total budget of $13.8 million.
The Energy Masters project seeks to showcase the advantages of demand-side flexibility, smart appliances, and energy management systems in homes.
As the energy demand is expected to double by 2050 due to increased electrification, these technologies play a crucial role in optimising energy use and supporting the grid during peak times, thereby reducing the need for additional generation and network capacity.
According to ARENA, demand-side flexibility has the potential to avoid between $20 billion and $30 billion in generation and network investments across Australia, leading to reduced costs for customers.
SA Power Networks, which is contributing $2.8 million to the project, will lead the initiative, collaborating with the government of South Australia, retailers, and technology innovators.
The project aims to trial flexible appliances and home energy management technology, offer customer-focused energy services, and share learnings to promote energy-smart homes nationwide.
The pilot will recruit 500 households, offering appliance subsidies, retail offers, and smart home energy management systems to optimise energy use across devices such as solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicle chargers.
Participants will also engage in a research program led by RACE for 2030, contributing valuable insights into device interoperability and national standards development.
SA Power Networks CEO Andrew Bills said: “Much of the technology is available today but we need to identify how we bring together government incentives, retail offers, energy-smart appliances and energy management systems in a way that is understandable and attractive for energy customers.”
He highlighted the importance of aligning government incentives, retail offers, and technology to create attractive solutions for energy customers.
The Energy Masters project will soon launch a public website by the South Australian government, providing eligibility information and how to apply.
Key components of the pilot include the installation of Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS), efficient electric appliances, new retail energy offers, and an 18-month research program.
The project partners include SA Power Networks, the Government of South Australia, RACE for 2030, Clipsal Cortex, MAC Trade Services, Amber Electric, EnergyAustralia, and Plenti.
The project is supported by ARENA and aims to inform the development of interoperability standards for future scalability and national adoption of demand flexibility technologies.