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Energy back-up systems
An energy back-up system consists of solar PV, battery storage and generators managed by a smart controllers that allows a property to have power during a power outages.
The Victorian Government has supported the installation of energy back-up systems at community hubs in 27 towns, which consists of:
- energy resilience solutions in 24 towns
- Community Microgrid and Sustainable Energy Program projects in 3 towns.
During power outages, residents can use these hubs to access information, hot water, and device charging.
If you are experiencing a prolonged power outage, and it is safe to stay in your town, reach out to your local council to see if your nearest community hub is open.
If you are not sure if it is safe to stay in your town, please visit Vic Emergency for more details.
Towns with a community hub featuring a Victorian Government funded energy back-up system can be found below.
Community hubs
| Local government area | Town |
|---|---|
| Cardinia Shire |
Cockatoo Emerald Gembrook |
| City of Greater Bendigo | Heathcote |
| Colac Otway Shire | Apollo Bay |
| Corangamite Shire | Port Cambell |
| East Gippsland Shire |
Mallacoota Omeo |
| Hepburn Shire |
Daylesford Trentham |
| Macedon Ranges Shire | Lancefield |
| Moorabool Shire | Blackwood |
| Mornington Peninsula Shire |
Balnarring Flinders Red Hill |
| Moyne Shire |
Mortlake Port Fairy |
| Nillumbik Shire | St Andrews |
| Surf Coast Shire | Lorne |
| Towong Shire | Corryong |
| Wellington Shire | Loch Sport |
| Yarra Ranges Shire |
Healesville Monbulk Mount Dandenong Olinda Sassafras Warburton |
Energy Resilience Solutions
In response to the June and October 2021 storms resulting in prolonged power outages, DEECA funded studies to explore energy resilience solutions for affected towns.
These solutions included:
- energy back-up systems (rooftop solar, batteries, generators) for essential services and community hubs
- larger town-scale energy solutions known as a microgrid.
$7.5 million was allocated for now complete energy back-up systems at key community facilities in 24 towns.
For more information on the other recommended responses to the 2021 storms, see the Electricity Distribution Network Resilience Review Report.
Find out more
- DEECA Microgrids web page
Community Microgrid and Sustainable Energy Program
After the extreme 2019–20 fire season, towns across Gippsland and the state’s North-east were disconnected from the electricity network. A study explored resilient energy infrastructure options to help communities during severe weather events.
The Community Microgrid and Sustainable Energy Program was announced in May 2021 with $9.85 million allocated by the Victorian Government and a further $7.5 million from AusNet Services. It has supported the installation of a mix of solar, batteries and other distributed energy resources for a range of buildings. These include essential service buildings, commercial and industrial buildings and households. The energy back-up systems provide a reliable power supply and build energy-resilient rural communities.
In Mallacoota, funding delivered an advanced microgrid using solar panels, batteries and generators on essential service and local business buildings coupled withresidents receiving hot water heat pumps to reduce energy use. An increase to the size of the town’s diesel generator also occurred to provide up to 5 days of back-up power when the town becomes isolated from the grid.
In Omeo and Corryong, the funding provided energy back-up systems for essential services and local business buildings consisting of solar PV, batteries and generators. Residents also received solar PV and battery energy back-up systems.
The microgrids and energy back-up systems will provide crucial back-up power in the event of a power outage caused by a bushfire.
Find out more
- DEECA Microgrids web page
- Visit Engage Victoria for community consultation information.
- Corryong’s Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program Dashboard
- Mallacoota’s Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program Dashboard
- Omeo’s Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program Dashboard
Page last updated: 21/01/25