Despite the cloudy skies over the Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club on Sunday 13 October, the place was abuzz with activity, as energy novices and experts alike came together for a special workshop and forum delivered by the Electrify 5049+ community group, in partnership with Electrify Adelaide.

Electrify Adelaide received a 2024 SA Power Networks Community Grant, auspiced via Sustainable Communities South Australia to support its ongoing community education efforts. While this event was tailored to the interests of residents in the 5049 postcode, the lessons were applicable to anyone looking to make their home and transport choices more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.

The Electrify Adelaide team set the stage by explaining the basics of household electrification, potential barriers consumers may encounter, and the impact of electrification on the electricity grid.

Attendees then broke into smaller groups for Q&A sessions led by subject matter experts on various aspects of household electrification. These included topics like solar and battery systems, cooking, hot water, electric vehicles, and heating and cooling. Participants had three 15-minute rotations to learn as much as possible about their topics of interest before regrouping to start drafting their own ‘household electrification plan.’

Lauren Reid, Communications & Engagement Lead – Energy Transition at SA Power Networks, represented the organization at the event. She set up an information table alongside representatives from the City of Holdfast Bay and City of Marion councils, who shared helpful information about sustainability initiatives and incentives. For example, did you know City of Holdfast Bay offers cash rebates on e-bikes for their residents?

Picture: Lauren Reid, Communications & Engagement Lead – Energy Transition at SA Power Networks at the Electrify 5049 Event

Lauren answered a wide range of questions before, during, and after the event, particularly in the breakout sessions. Some of the top questions asked included:

• How can I get an EV that can power my home or feed back to the grid?
• Why does SA Power Networks need to know when I install solar panels at my property?
• What are the pros and cons of different tariff types?
• Do I have to have a smart meter?
• What is Flexible Exports?

Lauren was also able to point attendees in the direction of SA Power Networks’ latest pilot project, Energy Masters, which offers significant subsidies on many of the energy-smart devices that are key to household electrification. Many attendees were keen to learn about the research that will be conducted as part of Energy Masters, which is expected to guide South Australia's future approach to ensuring as many people as possible can benefit from energy-smart homes.

Lauren said the questions posed by attendees gave her a deeper understanding of both the challenges and opportunities customers will face during the energy transition. “I always learn so much from public events like these, so a big thank you to the Electrify community for giving SA Power Networks the opportunity to take part,” said Lauren.

Learn more about Electrify Adelaide

Electrify Adelaide is a passionate group of volunteers dedicated to growing the electrification movement and empowering South Australians to accelerate the transition to electric homes and vehicles. Although affiliated with Rewiring Australia’s community electrification movement, Electrify Adelaide is an independent, Adelaide-based group. Their members share personal experiences with electrification to educate others on making sustainable energy choices while getting the best bang for their buck.

Learn more about SA Power Networks' community grants

The SA Power Networks Community Grants Program has been created to assist communities to empower themselves and make a tangible difference in their local area.