Thirroul residents Don and Christina were among the first 10 households to join the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot – a program designed to help homeowners reduce energy use and electricity bills. Having already made significant efforts to upgrade their home’s energy systems, they were excited to take part and received a fully subsidised smart energy device as part of the program.

We spoke with Don and Christina about their experience, from their initial energy-saving efforts to the latest improvements made possible by the pilot.

What kind of energy upgrades had you already made to your home before joining the pilot?

Don: "We’ve always been interested in energy efficiency. As someone who works in IT, I started setting up home automation systems a few years ago. For example, we installed under-house venting that automatically kicks in based on humidity levels. I also built a controller for managing temperature data. But the pilot really offered us the chance to take things further.

"We’ve made improvements like adding power measurement to our solar hot water system, stove, air-conditioners, and even the electric booster for our hot water, so we can monitor everything independently."

How has the smart energy device changed your approach to managing energy?

Christina: "The smart energy device has been great for managing our energy usage. We’ve linked it to our solar-powered hot-water system, which allows us to control when the electric booster kicks in based on solar availability. Since energy prices fluctuate throughout the day, we can now manage our usage more effectively.

"Plus, with three young kids, it's been super useful to control the hot water boost remotely, especially when they run out of hot water just before shower time!"

What are some of the benefits you've experienced so far?

Don: "The biggest benefit has been the reduction in our energy bills. After getting our solar panels fixed and installing the EMU system (the smart energy device model they received), we’ve seen significant savings. In the summer, solar energy helps a lot, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it works in winter. The program also gave us the tools to take control of our energy usage, which has made a huge difference, especially with the fluctuating prices."

What do you think is the biggest value of the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot?

Christina: "For us, it’s a mix of things – financial savings, reducing our carbon footprint, and being part of a community effort.

"The education and support that comes with the program are key. A lot of people want to make changes but don’t know where to start, so this program makes it accessible. It’s also about getting the information out there and showing others that it’s possible to reduce costs and be more sustainable."

Don: "I also think there’s a broader community impact. We’ve felt the effects of climate change more acutely out here – flooding and increasing temperatures are a real concern. So any little change we can make to reduce our environmental footprint is a win. Plus, with the financial support, it’s easier for people to take that first step."

Do you have any advice for others considering participating in the program?

Christina: "If you're hesitant, just take the plunge! The financial benefits are tangible, and the educational resources are invaluable. It’s also a great way to be part of a larger community effort to tackle climate change."

Don: "It’s definitely a win-win. You're not just saving money; you're making a difference. And for those who rent, it's worth considering how we can make energy-efficient upgrades more accessible, especially for people who might not own their homes."

For more info or to apply, visit: http://electrify2515.org