SA Households Invited to Join Smart Energy Trial

Expressions of interest are now open for South Australia's Energy Masters program, a $13.8 million initiative designed to test the benefits of energy-smart homes. Led by SA Power Networks, with a $2.8 million contribution, the program will bring together industry partners to help South Australians optimize their energy usage and lower electricity bills. The Energy Masters program is expected to pave the way for future energy-efficient technologies and standards.

The Energy Masters program will support 500 households across South Australia by providing them with advanced energy management technology. Households selected to participate in the program will receive:

• A free Clipsal Cortex HEMS (home energy management system) to help optimize energy consumption.

• Subsidies covering 50–90% of the installed cost for new heat pump hot water systems or smart split-system air-conditioners.

• Access to special offers from partner energy retailers, Amber Electric and EnergyAustralia, that reward flexible energy use.

In an effort to make the program more inclusive, 50 spots have been reserved for low-income and energy-hardship households. This will allow households facing financial difficulties to take advantage of the benefits of energy-smart technologies. By enabling these homes to optimize their energy usage, the program hopes to demonstrate the positive financial impact energy management can have, particularly for those struggling with high utility bills.

Participating households will also contribute to research conducted by RACE for 2030, aimed at providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of energy-smart homes. This research will help inform future energy policies and standards across Australia, especially as customer energy resources (CERs) such as solar panels, electric vehicles, and battery storage become more common.

The trial will demonstrate how these smart technologies can reduce household energy costs while also benefiting the overall grid. According to SA Power Networks, demand-side flexibility offers the potential to avoid between $20 billion and $30 billion in generation and network investments across Australia.

SA Power Networks will leverage the Clipsal Cortex HEMS device to send signals to participating households' smart devices, optimizing energy use based on real-time network conditions. Flexible appliances like air conditioners and hot water systems will adjust their energy consumption automatically, helping households save money and reduce pressure on the grid during peak hours.

Participants will also have access to financial incentives to allow their appliances to operate flexibly. On average, households in the trial could save several hundred dollars annually through optimized energy use and reduced electricity bills.

Mark Vincent, SA Power Networks' Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the importance of optimizing energy use in energy-smart homes. As South Australians continue to invest in solar energy, electric vehicles, and other CERs, the program will help households realize the maximum value from their energy systems.

By participating in Energy Masters, households will have access to cutting-edge technology and retail offers, ensuring they get the best possible return on their energy investments. Vincent highlighted the potential of energy-smart homes to not only save money but also contribute to a more efficient and stable energy grid.

South Australia's Minister for Energy and Mining, Tom Koutsantonis, described energy-smart homes as the future of energy consumption. He said the Energy Masters program will provide crucial insights into the tools and technologies best suited for different types of households.

Koutsantonis praised South Australians for being leaders in the global race to decarbonize, noting that over 340,000 homes already have rooftop solar and 43,000 homes have installed home batteries. The Energy Masters program builds on this progress, offering additional ways for households to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their energy efficiency.

In addition to the Energy Masters program, homeowners looking to enhance their energy efficiency can turn to EServices4U for expert consultation. Whether it's energy bill audits, advice on renewable energy installations such as solar panels and wind turbines, or general energy-saving consultancy, EServices4U is ready to help you optimize your home's energy use.

To learn more about how you can reduce energy costs and contribute to a greener future, visit EServices4U today!