Building a powerful community with connected solar and batteries

Councils on the NSW South Coast heard loud and clear that residents wanted to take part in the renewable energy revolution, but how could they help?

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation has made it easier for ratepayers to connect to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), allowing them to share cheap, clean energy and help stabilise the local electricity network.

People who add a battery to their system have an advantage, but may miss out on selling their stored energy because they don’t know when peak wholesale prices are very high.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven VPP will store surplus solar energy for use during peak demand, reducing costs for customers and improving grid reliability.

“It’s going to be a ‘community power plant’, and I think a lot of us are interested in that idea,” says Simon Wallace- Pannell, Sustainable Councils Program Manager at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Councils leading the way

Councils can reduce emissions in 2 ways, Simon explains. They can examine their own assets and operations, such as swimming pools and council buildings, and develop strategies to improve their efficiency. They can also help residents and local businesses take part in the clean energy transition by offering incentives. 

The Illawarra Shoalhaven VPP forms part of the Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration initiative, a Sustainable Councils program initiative that enables clusters of councils to work together on emissions reduction. 

In this case, collaboration led to a single procurement process with ShineHub as both technology provider and energy retailer. This streamlined model delivers regional consistency, broader participation and simplified approvals.

With multiple installers and battery brands available, people often lack the time or capacity to do the necessary due diligence. By reducing the number of choices, it makes the decision easier for ratepayers.

Working together towards net zero

With supportive councils, engaged residents and a delivery model in place, the Illawarra VPP demonstrates how local governments can accelerate the shift to net zero while empowering their communities.