Community batteries are an innovative way to store and use more solar energy locally and to support more households to adopt renewable energy. Benefits include lower energy bills, lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced pressure on the electricity grid.

Community batteries are larger than batteries used in homes. They are typically 50kW – 5,000kW in size and connect with 50 –200 local households.

They allow solar households to get more value from their solar investment, without needing to own or maintain their own household battery system.

Community batteries store excess solar electricity generated on local rooftops during the daytime. This solar power can be saved in the battery locally and shared during peak times in the evening or when electric vehicles are charging.

They help share solar with the local area, including non-solar households, and the wider energy system.

Sites and locations of community batteries are carefully selected by Ausgrid according to their criteria.

Council has partnered with a local not-for-profit group Inner West Community Batteries, part of Inner West Community Energy. We are working together to progress plans for community batteries to be installed and operated here in the Inner West.

The Inner West has ambitious climate targets and is tackling the Inner West’s emissions. We are working with the community to switch to renewables. Renewable energy storage and sharing plays an important role in accelerating the energy transition.

There are opportunities for grant funding open now through the Commonwealth Government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar program.

Council is working with the local electricity network service supplier, Ausgrid, to advocate for and progress a local community battery, which would be installed and managed by Ausgrid.

If funding is secured, Council and the Inner West Batteries group would work with Ausgrid on site selection and community consultation about the specific project.

This consultation is closed. Thanks to all who provided feedback.

• By mail, addressed to c/o Kate Jackson, Inner West Council, PO Box 14, Petersham 2049.
• Call a FREE Interpreter or the National Relay Service, Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm and provide our phone number 02 9335 2147.
  • Free Interpreter call TIS National on 131 450
  • Voice relay call 1300 555 727
  • TTY call 133 677
  • SMS relay call 0423 677 767

Last day to provide feedback is 31 August 2023.

We will publish an Engagement Outcomes Report and everyone who completed the survey will be notified when the report is published

If funding is secured, Council and the Inner West Batteries group would work with Ausgrid on site selection and community consultation about the specific project.