Thousands of households in southwest Sydney are set to see their power bills drop as the federal government rolls out two new high-capacity community batteries.
The two 5 MW systems, built and owned by Ausgrid, represent a major milestone in the government’s commitment to delivering immediate cost-of-living relief.
Located in Bankstown, the batteries will support residents across a broad network of suburbs, including Yagoona, Padstow, Riverwood, Roselands, Revesby, Punchbowl, Mount Lewis, Condell Park, and Beverly Hills.
The Community Batteries for Household Solar program aims to make renewable energy benefits accessible to everyone.
By absorbing excess rooftop solar during the day and discharging it during peak evening periods, the batteries strengthen the local grid and reduce the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades.
Local residents can access these savings through retail partners Origin and EnergyAustralia. Ausgrid estimates that participating households could save up to AU$200 per year.
“These community batteries will go some way to help take the sting out of energy bills for locals every year,” said Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.
“Community batteries are helping redefine how reliable renewable energy is delivered to homes and businesses across Australia, including in Southwestern Sydney.”
The Bankstown launch is part of a larger federal initiative to install 400 community batteries across Australia.
Beyond the Sydney rollout, the government is backing an additional 45 batteries through ARENA funding, all of which are expected to be switched on in the coming months.
Member for Banks, Zhi Soon MP, emphasised that the timing is critical for families feeling the pinch.
“The way we power our homes is changing, and I’m proud to be supporting this innovation in our community, for our community,” Soon said.
