Power play

THE eastern region is set to play an important role in a Victorian mini-grid trial, which was launched in Mooroolbark on Tuesday, 19 April. The trial aims to demonstrate that 14 homes with residential solar systems and batteries can generate, store and share renewable electricity with each other as a ‘mini grid’ via their local powerlines. Over the next 12 months, AusNet Services will focus on monitoring consumption levels and behaviours for each participating household, so that individual houses can be connected from the electricity grid, operating solely on the energy generated and stored in the batteries. Pictured is Victorian Energy Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, at the launch. 153397_01