Jemena launches ‘demand response’ trial to ease strain on power grid over summer

WANT to save money on your electricity bill? Melbourne households are being recruited for a trial involving school donations or gift card rewards for conserving energy during extreme heat.

MELBOURNE households will earn school donation or gift card rewards in exchange for conserving power on extreme heat days to ease strain on the grid over summer.

Electricity distributor Jemena will on Monday launch a “ demand response” trial to reduce energy use during peak times.

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Volunteers across Alphington, Eaglemont, Ivanhoe, East Ivanhoe, Fairfield and Craigieburn are expected to shrink their summer bill by up to $100, and gain rewards worth a further $100.

Using fans instead of air conditioning; adjusting aircon thermostat temperatures; cooking with barbecues instead of ovens; and running appliances outside peak times will be among power-saving hints sent via a smartphone app.

Jemena wants 1000 volunteers for its “demand response” trial. Picture: iStock

The initiative will potentially spread across its network in future to help lower poles and wires upgrade costs.

Jemena customer and markets executive general manager Shaun Reardon said: “By making small changes to how they use electricity, households can make a big impact on the grid.

“The pilot program uses innovative technology and smart meter data to set targets and provide feedback to households during peak times, enabling our customers to make informed choices about how and when to shift their consumption.”

Jemena wants 1000 recruits for the Power Changers pilot, which will run until March.

Most who meet set power-saving “challenges” will have a financial reward donated to local schools, which are expected to reap up to $15,000. Customers in Craigieburn will get gift cards for personal spending.

Data from smart meters, which measure electricity use in near “real time”, will be used to tailor personal suggestions to individual homes.

Consumers are being urged to ease pressure on the power grid. Picture: iStock

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Smart meter feedback will also be shared with the state government “to inform future energy policy” as part of a $400,000 taxpayer-funded grant.

Fairfield mum Nikola Sharp, who is taking part, was attracted to the double benefit of bill savings and a local school bonus.

“It can be as easy as not running the dishwasher in a certain hour,” she said.

She was confident it would not cause discomfort.

“A lot of it is about keeping the house cool in the lead-up to hot weather.”

The Jemena trial is one of several demand response programs operating this summer.

Further details: www.jemena.com.au/community and www.jemena.com.au/rewards

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@KarenCollierHS