Lancefield will be one of 24 towns across Victoria to benefit from improved energy resilience, helping to protect against future storms and bushfires.
Back-up power systems including batteries and rooftop solar on community buildings will be installed as part of the energy resilience program, with community buildings to also act as relief hubs in the event of a prolonged power outage.
The energy systems are designed to provide power to community hubs when damage to the network causes a widespread outage, such as storms in 2021 and last month’s floods.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the power systems would be better equipped for future storms and disasters.
“With climate change set to increase the frequency and intensity of storms and bushfires, we’re developing energy resilience solutions to protect Victorian communities during extreme weather events,” she said.
“We’re delivering renewable energy solutions to communities across the state – securing energy supply, driving down power bills and slashing emissions to combat climate change and mitigate its impact on Victorians.”
In response to the 2021 storms and the threat of future climate-related weather events, a study was conducted across multiple local government areas in Victoria including the Macedon Ranges Shire, City of Greater Bendigo, and Nillumbik Shire.
24 towns, including Lancefield, were identified as the best locations for relief hubs, with the State Government to work with energy providers, councils and emergency services to deliver improved energy solutions.
Communities at risk of outages caused by bushfires are also set to benefit from the Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program, aimed at delivering energy-resilient infrastructure through a partnership with AusNet.
For more information, people can visit energy.vic.gov.au.
