Locals cut back on energy use during summer heat

ACCORDING to results out of Powercor’s latest Energy Partner program, more than 780 households on the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast have made promising changes to their electricity habits in hot weather, a step in the right direction to reduce power demand in the area.

Designed to cut back energy use across the local network as well as costs to customers, the demand management program has been activated three times on hot days in December and January, with up to 93 per cent of the 781 participants taking part.

Tracked using a smart device installed in participants’ homes and connected to their air conditioning units, temperatures can be set and managed by both Powercor and the program’s volunteers.

With temperatures soaring to 44 degrees during the event’s activation, Powercor’s head of digital network Luke Skinner said the participation rates were outstanding.

“I commend all the Energy Partner participants for their commitment to the program and for being open to the idea of changing how they use energy at home,” he said.

“It certainly demonstrates an appetite in the community to participate in demand management programs and shows people are willing make a change not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of the entire community.”

Local resident and Energy Partner participant Renee Scrayen said the program was a great way to reduce her energy use while away from home using her smart device.

“The ability to use the smart device and an app on my phone to check the temperature at home when I’m not there is fantastic and means I can keep my pet comfortable on a hot day,” Ms Scrayen said.

A detailed analysis on how much demand was reduced on the local network during the program is currently underway.

Energy Partner will continue until March 31, with registrations open to eligible households until the end of January 2019.

For more information and to register, head to powercor.com.au/energy-partner.