Why students should study the Electrify 2515 Pilot

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Rewiring Australia announced the roadmap for their Electrify 2515 Pilot, which is set to begin in December 2024. 

Electrify 2515 is a project that aims to ‘electrify’ 500 homes in the Illawarra region through subsidy assistance.

Engineer Dr Saul Griffith dreamed up the project and has helped design the program, also previously founded Rewiring America.

Residents in the northern suburbs from Thirroul to Clifton can apply for subsidies of up to $1000 off electric hot water systems, reverse cycle air conditioners and induction cooktops.

There are also subsidies available for rooftop solar.

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen spoke at the project’s announcement, committing $5.4 million of taxpayers’ money. 

“I know here in [postcode] 2515 the community is all in and wanted to make this journey a reality and wanted to make it a positive one for people who participate,” Mr Bowen said.

So why is this relevant to students? 

In the 2021 census, just shy of 19 per cent of occupied private dwellings were rented in postcode 2515, the third-highest tenure type.

Many university students rent property in the surrounding area and have experienced consistent rises in costs, including rent and electricity. 

Reducing costs through more efficient appliances in a rental property offers student renters a chance to put the brakes on those rising costs.

It also gives students some power in the rental market, as landlords may find it more difficult to rent properties that do not have efficient appliances. 

Elsa Evers, the Communications and Engagement Manager for Electrify 2515, said that efficient household appliances can significantly affect the overall cost for renters.

“If you have the choice when applying for rental properties, you should consider the key household appliances when you’re inspecting houses,” Ms Evers said. 

“You’ll be much better off if you choose an all-electric and energy-efficient home. At the end of the day, you’ll be the one footing the energy bill, and it can be a chunky portion of your income when you’re young. 

“Rewiring Australia analysis shows the average Australian household using gas for their cooking, hot water and heating could save up to $800 a year by switching their appliances to efficient electric ones. 

“If you add rooftop solar that increases to $2400.”

While renters’ applications will be more complicated, Ms Evers said that Electrify 2515 targets homeowners and renters to apply for these subsidies. 

This means students renting can get involved, even without owning a property, and impact the project’s success. 

“We’re looking for a diverse range of households to participate in the Pilot so it accurately reflects the real community,” she said.  

“Of course we’ll also need to get property owners to agree to the installation and cover the subsidised cost of new appliances too.

“For renters and landlords, it’s a split incentive, with landlords investing the money for new appliances, but renters reaping the energy bill savings.”

Ms Evers said that the makeup of applicants will become clearer as the Pilot gears up to roll out in the 2515 postcode, with the area pioneering a new avenue of renewable energy policy.

“This is the first ever community-led electrification pilot in Australia, and probably even the world. It has only come about because of local enthusiasm to get ahead of the curve,” she said.  

“The aim is that we can learn locally, think globally, and reduce household emissions as fast as possible.”

The Pilot is set to begin in late 2024, and the data collected will contribute to the decision about whether this type of initiative should be implemented across Australia.

Ms Evers said the project’s success will be measured by whether 500 households are willing to invest in making their homes all-electric.

“We know there will be bumps along the way and lots of important feedback, and that is itself critical to the research outcomes of the Pilot,” she said. 

“By 2027, we hope we ultimately have 500 happy households with efficient electric homes, lowered energy bills, and lowered emissions – and 2515 becomes a lighthouse example of how one small community can lead the transition to Australia’s smart, electric future.”

Photos courtesy of Electrify 2515