The rollout will begin with a trial of 1100 Housing SA properties, with a 5 kilowatt solar panel system and a 13.5 kilowatt hour battery installed at no charge and financed through the sale of electricity.
Systems will be installed at a further 24,000 Housing Trust properties, expanded to 50,000 homes over four years.
A registration of interest process has been opened for members of the public who wish to participate in the program.
The State Government will release a market notice later this week for a retailer to deliver the program, with a preference for a new retailer.
Details of the announcement can be found at http://ourenergyplan.sa.gov.au/virtual-power-plant
The Smart Energy Council welcomes this announcement – yet another example of the South Australian Government’s global leadership on smart energy and climate action.
South Australia has world-leading renewable energy and emission reduction targets.
It has the world’s biggest battery and now it will have the world’s biggest virtual power plant.
Premier Jay Weatherill and the South Australian Government should be congratulated for their global leadership on smart energy and action on climate change.
The Smart Energy Council will work closely with the South Australian Government to ensure the successful implementation of this important initiative.
It is important that families have access to a range of battery manufacturers, new retailers and fully trained installers to provide greater choice, security and value for families.
The Smart Energy Council calls on all Australian Governments to work together to deliver smart national energy policy, allowing more Australian families to slash their power bills with solar and storage.
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