The NSW Government is helping communities across Far West NSW stay connected during major electricity outages.
Through the Far West Network Resilience Program, we are working in partnership with Essential Energy to explore new low-emissions microgrid infrastructure in remote communities. The program will help keep power flowing during network outages, while also supporting local jobs, economic opportunities and benefits for First Nations communities.
This work is part of the NSW Government's response to recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Electricity Outages Affecting Far West NSW.
How microgrids help remote communities
A microgrid is a small, local electricity network that can operate independently from the wider electricity network, helping maintain local power supply during outages or disruptions.
If severe weather or other events damage power lines or disrupts the wider electricity network, a microgrid can operate independently and use locally generated solar energy and battery storage to help keep power flowing to the local community. Depending on available energy and local demand, this can reduce the impact and duration of outages, improving energy resilience and reliability for remote communities during emergencies.
The program is investigating solar-powered microgrids for Tibooburra and White Cliffs and exploring battery storage options for Milparinka and Packsaddle. The scoping study will help to identify the most practical options for each community, with Essential Energy providing its findings to the NSW Government before making a decision to progressing to the next phase in the project.
As part of the program, the NSW Government will also assess options to provide additional support for behind-the-meter household batteries for homes in these remote communities and Broken Hill. Appropriately configured household batteries can help residents store and use more of their own renewable energy, reduce electricity costs, and support the local electricity network during periods of high demand.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen the existing electricity network and improve reliability, not move communities off the main grid. Households will remain connected to the main electricity network while benefiting from improved energy resilience and greater access to clean energy technologies. The program is expected to support local jobs and businesses during construction and ongoing maintenance.
Supporting First Nations communities
Creating long-term economic opportunities for First Nations communities in Far West NSW is a key part of the program.
The NSW Government and Essential Energy will work with First Nations communities and organisations to understand local priorities and deliver meaningful benefits that meet community needs.
The project includes dedicated investment in First Nations economic participation and will support opportunities for jobs, business participation and other locally identified benefits.