Endeavour Energy unveils community battery program to ease household energy bills and reduce emissions

• 76 community batteries for 33 suburbs.
• Up to 6,000 Endeavour Energy households to benefit from cheaper, greener power bills.
• Participating households to save up to $400 annually on electricity bills*
• Illawarra to receive 22 community batteries.

Thursday 20 March 2025: In a landmark initiative set to transform the energy landscape, Endeavour Energy has unveiled the first of 76 community batteries being delivered across the Illawarra, South Coast, Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands funded in partnership with the Federal Government.

This significant infrastructure project, one of the largest community battery programs in NSW, aims to provide households with renewable energy storage to enable cheaper, greener electricity.

Alison Byrnes, MP, Federal Member for Cunningham, and Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, today joined Endeavour Energy’s Chief Financial Officer, Francoise Merit, to unveil the first community batteries in Warrawong and Dapto. The Illawarra region is set to receive a total of 22 community batteries.

Endeavour Energy Chief Executive, Guy Chalkley, said community batteries will help ease pressure on electricity bills, while also empowering customers to actively participate in and benefit from the energy transition.

“Customers want a reliable and resilient electricity supply. Like all Australians, they also want to find ways to get the best value from solar energy and help set up the electricity grid for future generations,” he said.

“These initiatives are critical in our journey to decarbonise the grid and enhance access to affordable, renewable energy for thousands of households. The integration of community batteries is not just a step forward for our energy infrastructure, but a leap towards a sustainable future for all Australians."

Endeavour Energy’s large-scale program is being delivered in partnership with the Federal Government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar Program, along with a second program funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

By deploying 76 batteries across 33 suburbs, Endeavour Energy and the Federal Government will speed the transition to renewable energy and ease pressure on electricity costs for households through two significant programs:

• The Community Batteries for Household Solar Program - delivering 44 community batteries in Warrawong, Dapto, Bidwill, Cabramatta, East Blaxland, and Hobartville.
• ARENA Community Batteries Funding Round 1 -supporting 32 batteries across 27 suburbs.

The two jointly funded programs with Endeavour Energy are expected to benefit up to 6,000 households across Endeavour Energy’s area, potentially saving individual households up to $400 annually on electricity bills.* Beyond direct savings, the batteries will improve power quality, improve solar energy and storage access, and reduce costs for customers.

The Hon Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, said the Federal Government had invested $9.5m in funding 76 batteries across 33 suburbs in Endeavour Energy’s area and was pleased to support the community battery rollout, emphasising its positive impact on households across the Illawarra, Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the South Coast.

“The Albanese Government knows that Aussies are doing it tough, and these new Illawarra community batteries will go some way to help take the sting out of energy bills for locals every year,” said Minister Bowen.

ARENA’s CEO, Darren Miller, said ARENA is supporting the deployment of community batteries across Australia to improve network reliability, lower emissions and provide more cost-effective energy solutions for our communities.

“Building on the success of the first round of the Community Batteries Funding Program, a second round is now open, with $46.3 million in funding available. The full program aims to deliver at least 370 batteries to Australian communities,” he said.

Residents living in Warrawong and Dapto should register their interest at www.endeavourenergy.com.au/communitybatteries.

Quotes from Alison Byrnes, MP, Federal Member for Cunningham

"The installation of community batteries in the Illawarra is a win for customers to help ease cost-of-living pressures.

"The five Warrawong community batteries will help 300 local residents benefit from stored solar energy, including renters, apartment dwellers and those unable to afford the upfront cost of a battery and solar system.

"In addition, a further three batteries are coming to the electorate of Cunningham , which is fantastic news for people in the Illawarra.

"We know there is more to do, and I will continue to help build a better future for the Illawarra."

For media enquiries, to arrange an interview, photos or video footage contact: 0409 664 608.

Quotes from Hon. Stephen Jones, MP, Federal Member for Whitlam, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services

“Residents will benefit from these fantastic projects through showcasing a commitment to lowering energy costs and increasing clean reliable energy capacity.”

"Having 8 new community batteries invested in Dapto is going to be a game changer for so many local families.

“This is real cost of living relief - tackling the issue through funding the community battery program and energy subsidies is all part of Labor's cost of living relief plan.

“Community Batteries for Household Solar program is helping Illawarra families save up to $400 on their energy bills while investing in local industry and building a more reliable energy future right here in Australia.

“This is the Albanese Government making a real difference to everyday people, right now.”

Quotes from Wollongong City Council's Lord Mayor Tania Brown

“The community battery program is a fantastic initiative and aligns closely with Council’s Climate Change Mitigation Plan.”

“These batteries will help to achieve Wollongong’s Net Zero Community Emissions and support a just transition to net zero, delivering help where it’s needed most. Council is pleased to be able to contribute to this important initiative by granting easement for access and maintenance of the batteries by Endeavour Energy.”

About Endeavour Energy

Endeavour Energy is one of Australia's most efficient electricity distribution networks, powering NSW's fastest growing economies and sustaining the jobs and lifestyles of 2.7 million Australians, living, and working in Central West NSW, The Blue Mountains, Greater Western Sydney, Southern Highlands, Illawarra and South Coast of NSW.

Since 1890, we have expanded our footprint to be at the forefront of Australia's energy industry in integrating traditional and renewable energy sources to deliver a smarter, cleaner, affordable and more reliable energy system, with clear commitments and pathways to creating sustainable value for customers and communities. Endeavour Energy is committed to decarbonising the grid by 2035. Our mission is to leverage the latest technology and data to plan the grid of tomorrow where batteries, microgrids and solar integrate seamlessly with the traditional distribution network to power communities for a brighter future.

About ARENA

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is a government agency dedicated to accelerating Australia's transition to renewable energy. It provides funding and support for innovative projects across solar, wind, hydrogen, battery storage, and emerging clean technologies. Since its establishment in 2012, ARENA has invested in over 740 projects, driving research, commercialisation, and deployment of renewable solutions. The agency plays a key role in reducing emissions, enhancing grid reliability, and supporting Australia’s energy transformation through strategic investments and partnerships.

About bill savings

*Savings are estimates based on the AER’s FY26 draft Default Market Offer and are subject to change, pending final agreement with a preferred retailer and AER approval of FY26 network pricing plans. Customers will need to sign up to a waitlist and sign up to the preferred retailer.