Electric Avenue pole-top battery program

Between 2021 and 2024, 39 batteries will be installed across Melbourne’s east, south east and the Mornington Peninsula as part of an $11 million program – funded with $7 million from us and $4 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

This innovative project provides an opportunity for customers to act locally and participate in a clean energy future. The batteries provide benefits for local customers – no matter if they have solar or not – by storing energy from both our network and nearby solar panels that can then be used locally when needed.

Batteries are playing a role in maintaining the reliability of our electricity supply, and they support those with rooftop solar to get the most out of their investment. In particular, the batteries will improve the quality and reliability of electricity during peak demand days when everyone is using power.

The batteries will charge at times of the day when there is low electricity demand or when local rooftop solar systems are exporting into our network. Power from the batteries can then be used later in the day to make more power available when demand is high and solar systems are no longer generating.

Each of the 30kW batteries has the capacity to service local homes and businesses with up to two hours of energy (60kWh). When complete, the fleet of batteries – which have an expected life span of around 15 years – will store approximately 1.2MW of power, with each battery servicing up to 75 homes and businesses.

Our project partners include councils, community groups, energy retailer Simply Energy, local battery suppliers, Thycon and ARENA.

1. Access to energy storage.
We know that rooftop solar is becoming increasingly popular, however, some residents may be unable to install it. With pole-top batteries, excess solar power generated can be exported into our network and stored for use across the local community.

2. Access to local renewable energy.
Pole top batteries are a way for all connected customers to use more renewable energy whether they have solar on their roof or not.

3. High power reliability.
It’s an important way for us to make sure all UE customers enjoy high levels of power reliability. With pole-top batteries, excess solar power generated can be exported into our network to keep power stable during periods of high demand. When rolled out, the 39 Electric Avenue batteries will store 1.2MW of power to support an estimated 5,000 customers.

We chose locations that would see the most benefit from an improvement in the quality and reliability of energy during peak demand times when everyone is using power – for example, on hot days.

Batteries have been installed in three stages. Stage one and two are already complete, with the third and final stage underway.

The final installations will be in and around the Mornington Peninsula to allow us to maintain electricity reliability during the hot summer months in the popular Victorian holiday destination.

If you’re interested in getting involved or have any questions about the program, contact us on 1300 131 689.

If you’re interested in signing up for the project and you are living in an area supported by the batteries, you can contact our retail partner Simply Energy on 13 88 08.