Smarter, cheaper, more local power
It is an exciting time to be thinking about newer, smarter, more local power. Yack abounds in great stories of homes stepping over to solar systems and electrifying appliances.
As the quality of equipment continues to improve, costs become more affordable and the wealth of evidence in lived experience and research expands.
With a grant from Rewiring Australia TRY are running an Electrification awareness program until September 2025, helping households save money, create a more comfortable home, provide energy resilience during power outages, and reduce carbon emissions. It’s part of the Electrify Everything for Everyone campaign with community groups around Australia.
Delivering multiple benefits
More than 65% of roof tops in Yack boast solar panels and an inreasing number also have batteries. Analysis in Yack in 2020 showed an average saving of 63% on power bills by adding solar, increasing to 72% when a battery is added. That is now greater with the lower cost of hardware, improved technology and the increasing cost of energy over the last five years.
Not to mention the advantages of installing an inverter that allows appliances, such as water pumps, fridges, and communications, to continue operating during grid outages: an invaluable asset in regional areas during bushfire emergencies, weather extremes, or in areas prone to more frequent outages.
A typical Victorian household can save $5,100 on average per year, over 15 years
For a typical Victorian household, Rewiring Australia’s analysis shows that complete household electrification can save $5,100 on average per year, over 15 years. That includes the upfront costs of purchasing the new appliances and vehicle, as well as the interest repayments on loans.
So if you can afford the up-front cost, the benefits will accrue and be substantial over 15 years.
What measures make the most difference?
Installing efficient electric hot water heating, space heating and an electric vehicle give the most significant savings. Additionally, changing over a gas cooktop to an electric induction unit will provide good savings, as much because it allows a household to disconnect from the gas network entirely. Adding a solar installation gives savings for daytime power use, and including a storage battery further increases the savings, can improve local network stability, and allows continued operation during outages.
Electrifying hot water heating, space heating, vehicles and a cook top are game changers.
Find out more!
TRY will share electrification information around Yack throughout 2025, with pathways to learn more and where to start. We’ll also post Facebook posts on Electrification. If you’re keen to know more now, check out the info here, and keep your eyes peeled for posts, upcoming workshops, or contact us to register your interest.
A nationwide campaign
Availability and pricing have reached a tipping point, with electrification within the reach of many households and financially beneficial to most. This case study is part of the Electrify Everything for Everyone campaign by Rewiring Australia, with TRY and many other community groups around Australia participating.
To see what other communities are doing or to create your own Electrify group, look here.
