Solar, batteries and an EV charger win funding for energy resilience scheme

Solar and battery storage have featured heavily in the latest round of “energy resilience” projects being funded by AusNet, as the Victorian network company works to bolster vulnerable parts of the grid and help power communities through outages and emergencies.

A surf life saving club, community theatre group, and a distillery are among 28 local government and community groups across Victoria to receive nearly $1 million in funding from the second round of AusNet $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund.

Some highlights include $19,200 for a changeover switch and battery to support an existing solar PV system at the Big Muster Distilling Company in Dinner Plain; $28,400 to install a 22kWh storage battery at the Phillip Island Information Centre; $50,000 for a solar and battery backup system to the community theatre group Gemco Players; and $48,700 for a solar system and storage batteries at the Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club at Sandy Point.

Other grants support projects at existing community resilience facilities, such as nearly $50,000 to install a 40kWh battery and accompanying EV charger at the Taungurung Land and Waters Council in Alexandra.

Established in the wake of storms that swept across the state in February 2024, the fund provides grants for projects across AusNet’s electricity distribution network in eastern and north-eastern Victoria, and Melbourne’s north and east that help build long-term community energy resilience and provide support to communities during severe weather events.

While the funding is funding primarily on helping community and not-for-profit organisations, local councils, and small businesses build and strengthen community energy resilience, a number of recipients are focusing specifically on renewable energy technologies.

“We know how important energy is to our communities’ and customers’ lives,” said Andrew Linnie, executive general manager for distribution at AusNet.

“When severe weather or other emergencies happen, this becomes even more important.

“We are actively investing in our network to improve reliability and resilience. Through these grants, we’re pleased to contribute further to help build community energy resilience and assist people to stay connected and safe during prolonged outages and emergencies.”

The 28 grants awarded in the second round do include several diesel generators, but a majority of the energy upgrades to get funding were focused around renewable energy technologies.

Many of the projects are dual purpose in nature – serving the Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club year-round, for example, while also ensuring the club can provide community services during outages and emergencies.

While other grants create new community resilience facilities, such as the nearly $50,000 for the Taggerty Community Progress Group to create a solar hybrid microgrid at its Community Hub which will act as an emergency hub for the local community.

The full list of recipients can be viewed here.

Grants for the third round open on Monday, 26 May 2025. For further information go to ausnet.com.au/ercf.