Victorian communities are better protected against power outages caused by extreme weather through our work to improve energy resilience.
26 sites across the state will provide powered community hubs for emergency support and safety during power outages caused by severe weather.
One of these energy resilience hubs, at the Monbulk RSL, was officially opened this month.
During an extended power outage, the Monbulk Energy Resilience Solutions (ERS) system will provide a space for residents to:
- cook meals
- charge devices
- access information.
Energy Resilience Solutions
These systems are part of the $7.5 million Energy Resilience Solutions (ERS) program.
They also have the ongoing benefit of providing cheap renewable energy to community buildings all year round.
The program funds solar panels, batteries and back-up generators in 24 towns identified as being at high-risk of outages due to ongoing extreme weather.
The majority of systems are now complete. The remaining installations in Healesville and Apollo Bay expected to be completed by September 2024.
Improving energy resilience
The ERS rollout provides a first step in providing energy resilience to high-risk towns across Victoria.
It is just one way we are supporting reliable and affordable electricity for Victorians.
Obligations for energy companies to create five-yearly Network Resilience Plans are also being introduced. This will require them to plan and invest in improving the resilience of their networks, particularly those at high risk of prolonged outages caused by extreme weather.
Network Outage Review
An independent Network Outage Review commissioned by the Government is also being undertaken. This follows the February 2024 storms that left more than 530,000 electricity customers without power at its peak.
The Network Outage Review’s expert panel will make recommendations on the operational response of energy businesses, including:
- contingency planning
- timely and effective management of the incident
- restoration of supply following the storm event
For more information on the 2024 Network Outage Review, visit Network Outage Review.
Page last updated: 29/05/24