– ARENA and SA Power Networks are conducting a project in South Australia to trial smart home energy management in 500 households
– The project, called Energy Masters, aims to demonstrate the value of flexible demand in residential settings with the use of consumer energy resources and smart appliances
– The Government of South Australia is providing subsidies for households to implement smart technologies and will lead household engagement and recruitment for the trial.
An innovative project led by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and SA Power Networks will see 500 South Australian households involved in a trial of smart home energy management. The project aims to demonstrate the value of flexible demand in residential settings and its impact on the power system. With an investment of AU$13.8 million, consumer energy resources and smart energy appliances will be installed in homes, optimizing energy use through a home energy management system.
ARENA is providing AU$6.2 million towards the Energy Masters project, which will coordinate residential energy resources and appliances to align energy use with supply and market signals, reducing peak demand periods. The project will showcase how flexible energy use can complement renewable energy generation in South Australia, a region known for its high penetration of renewables.
Households participating in the trial will receive subsidies to implement energy-efficient appliances and a home energy management system. The government of South Australia is partnering with SA Power Networks to engage households, provide subsidies for low-income families, and lead recruitment efforts. Retailers EnergyAustralia and Amber will develop tailored offers to maximize benefits for customers through retail and network flexibility.
Overall, the project aims to demonstrate the benefits of energy-smart households, enable flexible demand at scale, and provide valuable insights for the development of national energy standards. Expressions of interest for the Energy Masters project will open in 2024, with the trial expected to run until 2027.