Electric cars, solar-powered neighbourhoods, and home appliances controlled via mobile phone could be coming to Frankston, if Victoria wins its bid to trial of new, advanced power technologies.
??If successful, the state will receive up to $100 million of federal funding to test new energy-saving technologies that could completely change the way suburbs function.
?The programme, which would involve more than 10,000 Frankston residents, could include charging stations for electric cars at the local supermarket and would be run in conjunction with an electric vehicles trial.
Neighbourhood solar panels could supply a local street with power in times of high energy demand, such as a hot summer’s day, while software allowing homes to store electricity for air-conditioning in batteries would also be tested.
Some households would be able to control home appliances remotely, with trials of mobile phone and internet applications allowing people to turn appliances on and off no matter where they are.
Energy and resources minister, Peter Batchelor, said Victoria’s bid was a well-researched and proactive plan.
“We already have significant momentum rolling out smart meters in Victoria — and we are the only Australian state to have started deploying advanced metering technology to every household, in partnership with Victoria’s energy distributors,” he said.
“We have a proven track record in energy efficiency. Our black balloons campaign has made people more alert about saving power, and our Energy Saver Incentive last year helped Victorian households save 2.7 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.”
