By Nick McLaren - ABC Illawarra

In a significant move towards sustainability, a pilot program named Electrify 2515 has successfully converted 60 homes in Thirroul, New South Wales, to run entirely on electric power. This initiative aims not only to lower carbon emissions but also to reduce energy bills for residents.

Among those benefiting from this initiative is Tosca Lloyd, whose home conversion was partly funded by a subsidy of $8,000 from the overall conversion cost of $40,000. With about 15 percent of households in the area participating, hundreds more are expected to join the movement. Lloyd emphasized the dual importance of tackling rising living costs and addressing climate change, stating, "We see switching to renewables and electrifying as one and the same as addressing the cost of living crisis and also the climate crisis."

In her quest for a healthier home, particularly for her son who suffers from a respiratory condition, Lloyd installed an extensive solar panel system along with a large battery. The conversion process also included implementing a ducted heating system and an electric heat pump, bringing her out-of-pocket expenses down to around $32,000 after subsidies.

Rewiring Australia founder and Australian-American inventor Saul Griffith has been a driving force behind the Electrify 2515 project. Griffith highlighted the ambitious goal of achieving zero emissions for 11 million Australian households by 2040, showcasing this community pilot as a crucial first step: "We thought we would really try to accelerate what that looks like in one community — that was the origins of 2515." Currently, about 500 homes are participating in the program, demonstrating a strong community response.

The program’s design features equity measures, ensuring that wealthier households receive lower subsidies. Remarkably, many higher-net-worth families choose to participate for environmental reasons rather than economic benefits, as noted by Dr. Griffith.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has provided significant financial backing, contributing $5.4 million towards the initiative. Endeavour Energy, which manages the local energy network, has expressed confidence that the grid can accommodate the increased load without imposing higher costs on consumers. James Hazelton, the future-energy strategy manager at Endeavour Energy, stated, "While customers are going to save money by having less fuel use and gas use, they are not going to face higher network charges," assuring residents of the program's sustainability.

Monitoring of the program is ongoing, allowing network operators to analyze data and make any necessary adjustments in response to the increased energy demand from converted homes.

The Illawarra region is quickly becoming a center for renewable energy development, particularly with the recent designation as New South Wales' first "urban renewable energy zone." Energy Minister Penny Sharpe announced that this initiative will lead to more green manufacturing jobs, advancements in research, and the testing of new technologies to facilitate greater solar energy utilization. Future plans include a proposed offshore wind farm, which would significantly expand the region's renewable energy capabilities.

Federal Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has also encouraged communities to pursue similar energy projects, while ARENA is supporting another $13.8 million home electrification pilot aimed at 500 homes in South Australia. The focus of this initiative is to demonstrate the benefits of demand flexibility and the advantages of smart home technologies, essential for achieving broader deployment across the country.

This community-centric approach to electrification not only empowers residents to take control of their energy use but also enhances the region's commitment to a sustainable future.