Essential Energy is committed to providing a safe and reliable power supply to all customers across regional, rural and remote NSW. As the transition to more renewable energy continues, it’s important we have a greater understanding of our customers’ energy usage, to allow better planning for future energy services. To support this, we’re piloting the Smart Energy Communities Project.
It aims to engage electricity customers in their local communities, collecting data and insights to create a deeper understanding of emerging needs and options for affordable and reliable electricity supply and services, while building on existing community relationships to navigate the transition to a better future.
Pilot Communities
The pilot will run for two years from March 2023, and is engaging three NSW communities:
- Tibooburra in ‘Corner Country’, the far north-west of the state where NSW, South Australia and Queensland intersect, and the tourism gateway to the iconic Sturt National Park. Traditional lands of the Karenggapa people.
- Ivanhoe, in the Central Darling Shire, a farming and mining town in the state’s far south-west. Traditional lands of the Ngiyampaa people.
- Tea Gardens in the MidCoast Council area on the state’s mid-north coast, a gated community. Traditional lands of the Biripi and Worimi peoples.
Customer participation
The Smart Energy Communities pilot involves installation of Wattwatchers smart energy management devices, with the MyEnergy app, for up to 200 Essential Energy network customer sites across the three pilot communities. Recruitment of participants is being led by Wattwatchers.
To find out more check out the Factsheet and FAQ’s below.
To get involved fill out the Wattwatchers My Energy Marketplace Consent Form.
FAQs
What is happening?
Essential Energy is committed to providing a safe and reliable power supply to all customers across regional, rural and remote NSW. As the transition to more renewable energy continues, it’s important we have a greater understanding of our customers’ energy usage, to allow us to better plan for future energy services. To support this, we have established a pilot to assist us with accessing data on customer energy use across NSW.
How will you track and learn about my energy usage?
The Smart Energy Communities pilot involves installation of Wattwatchers smart energy management devices, with the MyEnergy app, for up to 200 Essential Energy network customer sites across three pilot communities. The recruitment of participants is being led by Wattwatchers.
The monitoring package - being provided at no cost to approved participants - is valued at over $900 at standard retail prices, and includes: hardware, pre-paid software, data and 4G communications subscriptions for three years (36 months), and installation by a licensed electrician.
What are the benefits of the device?
The device will provide participants with smart energy management information including:
- User-friendly app and all subscriptions prepaid for three years
- Detailed data & intuitive tools to help you to reduce and optimise your electricity use
- Ongoing offers and opportunities to save money and reduce your environmental impact
For Essential Energy, the device will provide greater understanding of customer energy usage across NSW.
Which towns can participate?
Three locations across NSW have been chosen to participate in the pilot. These are Ivanhoe, Tibooburra and Palm Lake Resort Tea Gardens. These locations represent a range of different communities and electricity network considerations for the project.
Who is funding the project?
Essential Energy has engaged Wattwatchers Digital Energy to install smart energy monitoring devices. The $900 device and software/communications packages are being provided through funding support from both Essential Energy and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)*.
Who will be responsible for the device?
Wattwatchers is responsible for maintaining the monitoring device and service and provides online support to its customers via email: support@wattwatchers.com.au or use support options in the MyEnergy app or phone (02) 8316 7540.
What happens if the device isn’t working?
If the device stops working, or has other problems, the Wattwatchers support team will assess the situation. If problems cannot be fixed remotely, Wattwatchers will send an electrician to fix or replace it under warranty. We will liaise with you to confirm next steps if this occurs.
How long is the trial?
The pilot will run for two years, concluding March 2025.
Where will the device be located?
The monitoring device will be installed in your electrical switchboard.
How long will it take to install?
It will take up to two hours for the licensed electrician to install the device and collect site information.
Will it save me money?
Participants will be able to download the Wattwatchers MyEnergy app to access data and insights on their own energy usage, in real-time, which may help them to change energy usage or behaviour leading to possible cost savings. MyEnergy app users may also receive in-app offers, some with rewards attached, as well as personalised energy use insights.
Who is eligible?
Eligible sites will include homes, businesses, schools and other community facilities, with recruitment starting immediately (March 2023) for installation by 28 April, 2023. Criteria for eligibility include:
- Being located in one of the pilot communities
- Provision of safe accessibility and available space in the customer’s meter box or electrical switchboard to install the energy monitoring device
- Consent to share energy data and receive offers through the MyEnergy app for up to two years.
Site recruitment is being led by Wattwatchers and customers can apply using this online form. Eligibility will be evaluated, and applicants will be advised within five to seven business days as to whether or not they have been approved for participation. The installation plan allows for a roughly equal split of up to 200 deployments between the three pilot communities, meaning 65-70 participants will be recruited from each community.
What happens at the end of the trial?
The monitoring package is valued at over $900 at standard retail prices, and includes: hardware; pre-paid software, data and 4G communications subscriptions for two years (24 months); and installation by a licensed electrician.
At the conclusion of the pilot, participating customers will have the option to keep the Wattwatchers monitoring equipment and MyEnergy app at their own cost for ongoing subscriptions (currently $60 a year plus GST), or to have the device removed by an electrician at no cost to them. Essential Energy may also seek to extend the data-sharing period for the pilot through further engagement with participants and their communities.
What happens if the property is sold?
If you sell your property, let Wattwatchers know and they will liaise with the new owners. If the new owners choose not to be involved, the device will be disabled remotely or removed at no charge to them or yourself.
How do I apply to be involved?
Applications are now open. Visit the Wattwatchers My Energy Marketplace Consent Form.
