Malcolm Guy, Electrify Southside

Malcolm Guy is at the heart of Electrify Southside. Launching in early 2025, the volunteer group is a vibrant new addition to the national Electric Communities Network.

Malcolm said he didn’t intend to get involved but that his participation has been an unexpected delight. “I was actually attending a different meeting for the Environmental Leaders Action Network, and somebody pulled me aside and asked if I’d like to come along to an Electrify Southside discussion,” Malcolm said. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into.”

Malcolm’s sustainability journey began at home. In 2014, he installed a small 4kW solar system, and in 2021, he upgraded to a 24kWh system with two batteries and installed a heat pump. In 2023, Malcolm purchased an electric vehicle and started making connections with like-minded individuals who introduced him to a locally funded sustainability course that invests in environmental projects, which led him to Electrify Southside – a group he feels can make a real difference in the community.

“I wish I could have joined a lot earlier,” he said.“It's reassuring to know that there are people out there that are interested and want to learn and know what they can do. I think it's gathering momentum. And it's somewhat inspiring to see these people come in and learn stuff and go away with more knowledge and knowing that they can actually take action and do something positive for the environment." Since its launch, Electrify Southside has hosted various events with the help of Malcolm and other volunteers, including an electrification exhibition that featured industry expert speakers, electric vehicle showcases and over 40 innovative vendors at St Kilda Hall, of which drew over 1,000 attendees.

Malcolm himself led the home heating and efficiency segment; with the knowledge he has gained since becoming a home energy scorecard assessor a few years ago. These skills, he believes, also have an essential impact. “Now that I can go into people's homes as a home energy assessor and tell them that it's going to save them money, it makes such a difference.” Malcolm recalled wondering, as a young teenager, why no one seemed to be acting on a problem he assumed was obvious. “I thought someone would have fixed this crisis years ago, to be honest. I can remember thinking as a young teenager, there can't be enough oil. What happens when we run out of oil? ” Malcolm said.

Malcolm believes that joining this new community has finally allowed him to be the person doing something about it. “Being in groups like this, you can have a much bigger impact and reach than I thought was possible,” he said.“ And where do you start? Well, find like-minded people.”

-Do you live in Melbourne’s southside? Join Malcolm and Electrify Southside.