AusNet will invest in a $1.5 million trial to determine how vulnerable households can benefit from electrification. Sixty AusNet customers in Morwell, Hazelwood and Hazelwood North will have their gas appliances upgraded with electric alternatives by the end of 2024. Solar will also be installed on most of the homes.
Victorian Government modelling indicates that converting to an all-electric from a dual fuel home can save $1,250 per year.
AusNet Executive General Manager Network Management & Digital, Steven Neave, said it is critical that no one is left behind by the energy transition.
“We are undertaking this trial to understand opportunities and challenges of electrification for our vulnerable households.”
“We’ll be collecting and testing data to better understand both customer and network impacts of the switch,” said Steven.
This project was initiated by members of AusNet’s Innovation Advisory Committee, which was established to ensure that customer perspectives shape the design and prioritisation of AusNet’s projects. It responds to research conducted by the Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) earlier this year which provided AusNet with valuable insights to improve services to customers living with a disability. The YEF research was funded through AusNet’s $30,000 2022 Vulnerability Research Grant.
AusNet’s announcement comes after the Victorian Government last week announced funding for a $10 million Residential Electrification Grants program which will help Victorians access modern and more affordable all electric homes.