State’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program hits 139 installs, 23 MWh of storage

Victoria’s Labor government announced over the weekend that its 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program will soon have delivered 139 batteries across the state capable of storing 23 megawatt-hours (MWh) of power.

State minister for energy and resources Lily D’Ambrosio on Sunday visited the Truganina Community Centre in the south-west of Melbourne, which is one of the latest locations to secure a neighbourhood battery.

The Truganina Community Centre, which will eventually offer a range of services including material and child health, youth services, and a library lounge, is one of 10 locations announced as part of the final round of the state government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.

Once operational, the battery at the Truganina Community Centre will help to save around $20,000 per year.

This will bring the total number of batteries delivered through the program to 139, located across 60 local government areas, all aimed at helping to cut local power bills and boost energy resilience.

The program is part of the state government’s target of reaching at least 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of energy storage capacity by 2030, and 6.3 GW by 2035 – enough to store energy to power around half of Victoria’s homes at peak energy use.

“We know the cost of living is tough for many Victorians, that’s why we’re building neighbourhood batteries that help lower power bills for households and communities,” said D’Ambrosio.

“Only Labor will do what’s needed to make energy more affordable and reliable.”