This will also help the grid’s stability, which has been under pressure from high volumes of cheap energy during the day when demand is lowest. Because of its shape, the demand curve is called a “solar duck”.

Loading

Boosters ‘a no-brainer’

Smart Energy Council chief executive John Grimes said the peak demand reduction scheme would help more NSW households take control of their own energy.

“Battery booster programs are a no-brainer for people trying to cut their rising energy bills during a cost-of-living crisis and we want to see more of them,” Grimes said.

“Allowing people to store the energy they create on their roofs will ease the pressure on the grid during periods of peak demand.”

Ria O’Hehir, chief executive of approved certificate provider Greenbank Environmental, said the scheme was the “most innovative” she had seen in 20 years.

“This is a significant step toward empowering individuals to become more energy-aware and resilient,” O’Hehir said. “We need to see this rolled into a national scheme to maximise its impact.”

The NSW government recently released its consumer energy strategy, which includes initiatives to make solar panels more accessible for apartment residents and low-income households.

Get to the heart of what’s happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.