Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall used a Mayoral Minute to inform Councillors and the community about a proposed Ausgrid pilot program designed to test a new way of harnessing unused rooftop solar potential and giving the resulting cost benefits back to the local community.
The Botany / Mascot area is one of only two NSW areas selected to be part of this pilot program known as the Community Power Network.
The proposal is forecast to generate $22.9 million in energy cost savings for Ausgrid customers within the pilot areas over five years - equating to about $150-$200 per customer per annum for a typical household.
It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 420,000 tonnes - the equivalent of taking 8,300 cars off our roads.
The Australian Energy Regulator has put the Community Power Network pilot out for public consultation until 16 September 2025.
Residents or businesses in the Botany-Mascot area wanting to find out more about the pilot program or make a submission can find out more at www.ausgrid.com.au/communitypowernetwork
Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall said
"This pilot is still in its early phases, and yet to receive full approval from the regulator, but getting Botany and Mascot on the table as one of the potential pilot areas could help to reduce cost of living pressures and deliver on our sustainability objectives," Mayor Edward McDougall said.
"If successful, the trial may lead to increased solar network capacity, improved network utilisation, reduce emissions and customers in the pilot area may experience lower costs overall."
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