Creating a blueprint for Australia's solar electric future

The Electrify 2515 Community Pilot has received $5.4 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). This will support 500 households in the 2515 postcode to electrify their homes.

October 15, 2024

I’m not sure if you caught the news earlier today, but I am thrilled to share that today we launched a project demonstrating electrification in Northern Illawarra, NSW - the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot. 

This morning, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, addressed the media in Thirroul announcing funding for the pilot. For two years Rewiring Australia has been supporting a group of local clean energy activists campaigning to host a tech pilot in the 2515 postcode, to demonstrate the clean electrified future, today. 

I am excited because we can say this really is a world first. Other pilots have deployed solar or batteries or other clean energy technology but I don’t know of any that have built the whole process around a local grassroots campaign. This is genuine place-based community building. In a world full of so many dispiriting events and trends, this is something that fills me with optimism.

What was announced?

The Electrify 2515 Community Pilot has received $5.4 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). This will support 500 households in the 2515 postcode to electrify their homes. The project will run for two years to study both the installation process and the impacts on the grid. Rewiring Australia and Electrify 2515 are the glue holding the whole thing together at the local level and the project consortium includes energy solutions provider Brighte and the local distribution network, Endeavour Energy. 

Electrifying 500 households in a short time will be challenging, and that is the point. Our pilot is a test bed to uncover and understand all the barriers that hold households back from electrification. After the project we will have a practical playbook for households, tradies, industry, government and energy regulators.  

Head to the Electrify 2515 website to find out more info.

Blog

Read more news about how Australia can and should electrify

Electrifying our homes and cars is the recipe to cut emissions and save money for Australian homes. Let's build an abundant electric future for Australia.

Update

A win for renters and apartment owners - WA moves to legalise balcony solar

Rewiring Australia | October 28, 2026

Western Australia is the first state to commit to legalising plug-in balcony solar and batteries. It’s a big win for millions of Australians who’ve been shut out of cheap, clean power.

Media Release

Gas lobby protecting a failed business model at consumers’ expense

Rewiring Australia | October 14, 2026

“Electric technologies are scientifically proven to be cheaper and more efficient. A heat pump water heater or reverse cycle A/C uses around a quarter of the energy to heat the same water or air. Gas goons will never tell you this and say it’s about consumer choice. It’s imperative that nobody is fooled by their lies.”

Event

Webinar: How to win a Healthy Homes Plan for NSW

Rewiring Australia | October 2, 2026

Join this webinar organised by the Nature Conservation Council to hear from experts on how improving energy efficiency helps fight climate change and why a Healthy Homes Plan will support rental homes (which are 1/3 of homes in NSW) to be more affordable and liveable.