For the first time since the SEC was sold off by Former Liberal Premier Jeff Kennett in the nineties, Victorians will now benefit from publicly owned energy powering our grid, helping to push down power bills.
Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D'Ambrosio today announced the completion of the SEC's first project, the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH) near Melton, the largest operating battery in the country.
Following energisation and commissioning, the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, co-owned by Victoria's SEC and Equis Australia, is now fully operational.
All 444 battery units are online, delivering up to 1.6 gigawatt hours of storage, enough to power 200,000 homes during the evening peak period.
The battery will charge when energy is abundant and discharge when supplies are low. By soaking up surplus rooftop solar and energy from the grid, the battery will help reduce power prices.
It will also enable an additional 1.8 gigawatts of new generation to connect to the grid, increasing the supply of cheap renewable energy.
MREH's construction created jobs and training opportunities for more than 1,200 people working on the project, including over 70 apprentices, cadets and trainees.
Communities in the City of Melton and nearby areas will also benefit from the project's $100,000 per annum Community Benefit Fund. Early consultation on the fund's design and focus areas has started, community can have their say at face-to-face events or via an online survey.
This is also the first publicly owned storage asset that the SEC will use to supply 100 percent renewable electricity, generated by its own projects, to power Victoria's public schools, hospitals, police stations, trains and more.
The SEC's project adds to the Labor Government's record investment in renewable energy, which has helped Victoria consistently have the lowest wholesale power prices in the country - bringing online even more will ensure prices stay low into the future.
Jess Wilson's Liberals will sell off publicly owned renewable energy at the first opportunity, and Victorians will pay the price.
As stated by Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D'Ambrosio
"Families want help with the cost of living, that's why we brought back the SEC to help lower power prices."
"The SEC is accelerating the energy transition - this project means lower bills for Victorians and a publicly owned asset that keeps profits in the hands of Victorians - where they belong."
As stated by Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins
"SEC's investments have already delivered 1,200 jobs in Plumpton and will help reduce energy bills for all Victorians."
