A community resilience battery will be installed in Hawker to provide support during long duration power outages.

SA Power Networks, in partnership with The Flinders Ranges Council, has announced the initiative, aimed at addressing the needs of the community during extended power outages, through installation of a battery at the Hawker Community Sports Centre.

The community battery is part of a statewide project, jointly funded by SA Power Networks and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, that will see eight batteries with different use-cases installed across regional South Australia.

CEO of The Flinders Ranges Council, Sean Holden said: “The region has experienced prolonged outages over the last few months, so we are pleased to be working with SA Power Networks to improve the resilience of our community.” 

“It is our more vulnerable individuals and families that need support the most during unexpected outages and the battery will provide backup power to a community facility that is well positioned to support them.” he said.

SA Power Networks Operations Manager, Chris Bennett said: "We understand the inconvenience these outages have caused, and we thank customers for their patience and support over the past few months. Our priority is to ensure a safe and efficient power restoration process."

“This partnership with The Flinders Ranges Council reflects our shared goal to improve the resilience of the township, offering peace of mind to residents during power outages.”

"In addition, we continue to work with the SA Government and transmission network operator, ElectraNet, to ensure the long-term security of the region's electricity supply."

SA Power Networks and the Council will jointly run a Community Information Session at the Hawker Community Sports Centre on Tuesday 17 June, from 5.30-6.30pm, immediately prior to the Council’s Ordinary Council Meeting. 

The expected timeframe for installation of the battery is late in 2025.

More information

For further information on the project, including a Fact Sheet and some Frequently Asked Questions visit Community Batteries Project Talking Power.