My smart energy device

Imagine if we could see how much energy our appliances were using in real-time? Participants in the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot have a smart energy device or ‘home energy management system’ installed to monitor and optimise their energy use.

What is a smart energy device?

A smart energy device, also known as a home energy management system (HEMS), is a hardware device installed in your switchboard and alongside your home internet router. It is paired with software that monitors and displays your energy usage in real-time, via a smartphone app or website.

Every household that participates in the pilot will receive a fully subsidised smart energy device. The devices will allow householders to monitor energy usage, control some appliances, and automatically send energy data to the pilot research team to establish the impact of electrifying 500 households.

 Planning for the future

Each of the 500 homes in the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot will receive a smart energy device. Not only will each home improve their energy use, but they will be leading the world in becoming a smart energy community. By having a lot of smart energy devices in place, we can build knowledge of how an entire community uses energy and therefore better understand the impact on the grid and plan for the electric future. This is especially important as more and more people switch out their polluting gas appliances and adopt electric vehicles. It’s really exciting to think of all the unlocked knowledge and therefore power we will gain as a community with a pocket-sized piece of technology!

Most pilot participants will have the Combined Energy Home Energy Management System installed.

Combined Energy HEMS

  • Real-time energy monitoring

    The Combined Energy HEMS allows you to monitor a select number of energy appliances in real-time so you can see which appliances are using energy and make adjustments.

  • Smarter use of solar and storage

    If you have solar or batteries, the HEMS can adjust compatible appliances throughout the day to better match your solar production or battery storage—helping you make the most of the energy you generate.

  • Reduce your energy costs

    Even without solar or batteries, you can still use the HEMS to time use of your appliances and take advantage of free or cheaper tariff times during the day.

Combined Energy HEMS User Guide

Smart Energy Device FAQ

  • A range of smart energy devices were tested in the first stage of the Pilot.

    Currently, participants in the Pilot will be provided with the Combined Energy Home Energy Management System.

  • You can work with your installer during the quotation stage and then during installation to get the most out of the smart energy device for your household situation. The manufacturers of the device can also provide support after installation.

    If you have a Combined Energy HEMS, contact support@combined.energy

  • Yes, it is yours to use during and beyond the pilot.

    Please note, the Clipsal Cortex app applies a subscription fee. This subscription is free until the end of the pilot, and householders can choose to continue the subscription afterwards.

    The Combined Energy HEMS has a premium subscription which is free for the first 2 years. Participants will need to pay after this to keep the premium features, but can continue to access basic functionality.

    The other smart energy device apps are free.

  • The pilot research team will have access to participant energy consumption data metered through the device via the manufacturer. This data is crucial to understanding the impact of electrifying your home. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot team.

  • Only you have control over your device and your appliances.

    If you have a battery, you can choose if you want to sign up for a virtual power plant and sell power into the grid at peak times.

  • Yes, it is. A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that records how much grid energy you use and when you use it. Smart meters are being installed by electricity retailers and you may already have one installed in your switchboard. If you are getting solar panels, you will need a smart meter that will be installed by your electricity retailer.

  • No, they aren't the same as home automation systems which manage the lighting, appliances, entertainment systems, climate and security of a home to increase convenience, comfort and security. However, they can play a role when integrated with a home automation system to maximise energy savings and efficiency.

  • Make sure you talk to your tradie if you have a pool pump, hot water system, EV charger, or other appliances you want to be connected to your smart energy device so they can set it up for you.

  • As you purchase new and replacement appliances for your home, check with your installer to see if they can be integrated into your smart energy monitoring. The more appliances you're able to add to your system, the more flexible your energy usage options.