Efficient and 100% renewably powered energy

Merri-bek's biggest source of climate pollution is emissions from our energy use (electricity 36% and gas 26%). Historically, grid electricity has been generated by burning fossil fuels (coal and gas), and most Merri-bek homes still use gas for heating, cooking and/or hot water.

To eliminate emissions from our energy use, the 'energy transition' aims to:

• 'green the electricity grid' by replacing use of fossil fuels with 100% renewables plus storage
• switch households and businesses to become 'all electric' (avoiding fossil gas).

Community 2030 Goals proposed:

• Community solar capacity - More than double rooftop solar capacity across Merri-bek homes and businesses (to 250MW up from 77MW in 2024).
• Community solar penetration - At least 25% of Merri-bek households (up from 13.5%) and 20% of businesses (up from 11%) have rooftop solar PV.
• Energy storage - Double the amount of local energy storage (in batteries), helping to maximise the use of local rooftop solar.
• Decreased gas use - Reduce Merri-bek's use of fossil gas by 25% (from 2022-23 levels).

Key actions include:

• Run targeted programs to support energy transition (to energy efficient, well-insulated, all electric, solar powered etc) for health, comfort and bill savings.
• Investigate and partner on innovative approaches that could deliver energy solutions at the community-scale (e.g. virtual power plants, demand response, vehicle to grid etc).
• Targeted initiatives to foster energy transition by businesses.