Tesla is launching Phase 4 of South Australian Virtual Power Plant (SAVPP), allowing more low-income South Australians to benefit from renewable energy.
According to the South Australian (SA) Government, a total of 3000 additional SA families will benefit from low-cost power and the convenience of battery backup. For the first time, the State Government said the initiative will also incorporate housing within the community housing homes.
“This is a prime example of the great work that can be achieved when industry and government work together. We’ve been proud to partner with Tesla on this project since inception, supported by seed funding from the State Government’s Renewable Technology Fund,” Minister Tom Koutsantonis said.
The $33 million expansion, funded by Tesla, will assist thousands of low-income households that were previously excluded owing to their dwellings being unsuitable for rooftop solar by providing a battery-only alternative.
The State Government added that the Stage 4 announcement illustrates that the previous government’s decision to invest in this program in 2017 yielded a good outcome and continues to leave a significant legacy.
The deployment will support around 200 full-time jobs, including 70 apprenticeships.
“The latest phase of the South Australian Virtual Power Plant (SAVPP) means more public housing and now community housing residents will have access to technology they wouldn’t normally have, along with significantly cheaper power prices,” Minister Nat Cook said.
Public and community housing renters who host SAVPP solar panels or batteries on their houses receive the State’s lowest retail power price, which is now 23% less than the Default Market Offer. According to electricity provider Energy Locals, this equates to a $423 annual savings for the average home.
The initiative has already installed solar and Tesla Powerwall systems in 4100 homes; the next phase will boost the total to over 7000.
“It is incredible to see South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant continue to evolve, helping solve some of our most complex technical challenges in transitioning to a grid powered by renewable energy while proving its commercial viability as an investment-grade project,” Minister Kotsantonis stated.
The Minister added, “The South Australian Government looks forward to our continued relationship with Tesla on this and other exciting initiatives. Projects such as this allow South Australians in public and community housing to benefit from low-cost renewable energy, and is yet another example of this state leading the world in designing energy-smart homes and the smart grid of the future.”
