The tradies at the frontline

The Electrify 2515 Community Pilot is in full swing, with offers sent to eligible households eager to swap old gas appliances for efficient electric alternatives. Hundreds of community members are already taking the next steps, securing quotes for heat pump hot water systems, reverse AC, and induction cooktops, and scheduling installations. This progress is largely thanks to the skill and dedication of our local tradies.

There are 11 installers for participants to choose from in the pilot - including local installers pictured above - HOTT Electrics, Sun People and Solar Hub.

The pilot includes 11 installers with diverse expertise, including hot water specialists, level 2 electricians, and solar and battery companies with experience designing smart, whole-house systems that maximise solar and storage while minimising bills. See the list of installers involved in the pilot, below.

Brighte, the pilot's installation partner, has included a selection of quality tradies for participants. Brighte Project Engineer Ekansh Lathwal says: "We are proud to have a strong contingent of quality installers involved. They can cater to a wide variety of budgets and help find the right solution for all 500 homes and families."

The pilot has been a learning curve for tradies too, with the installation of smart energy systems in every home. Scott Prioste, owner of Wollongong-based Hott Electrics, said: 

"I love the idea that the homeowner can look on their phone, and see what their solar or battery is producing, or how much energy the heat pump and aircon are using. Once they've got that information, they can make smarter choices, and live better."

Local solar provider, SunPeople, has been part of the Electrify 2515 campaign journey from the beginning. As part of a community solar rollout program, they were one of two vetted local businesses offering discounted solar as part of a bulk buy initiative that added more than 800kW of additional solar capacity in our local area. 

Fast forward and they are delivering whole-house electrification services as install partners in the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot. We managed to catch busy business-owner David Love in between quoting to ask what it meant for SunPeople to be involved.

“It has been amazing to meet members of our community that are as passionate as we are about renewable energy. It has been an honour to be recognised by so many pilot participants as a leader and trusted partner in their electrification journey.” - David Love, owner of Sun People.

What does it mean to be part of this community-led initiative?

David: SunPeople is owned by Illawarra locals. We have helped power our community for almost 10-years. The electrification initiative is such an amazing opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint, get off fossil fuels and we will have the real-world data to show that it may save money for the household over the long-term too.

What opportunities has the pilot presented?

David: It has been amazing to meet members of our community that are as passionate as we are about renewable energy. It has been an honour to be recognised by so many pilot participants as a leader and trusted partner in their electrification journey.

Have you changed your business offering as a result of the pilot? 

David: We have had to learn a lot more about cooktops and benches than we ever thought we would. We have recognised how important this is; there isn't much point moving your hot water and heating away from gas and to electric if you are still going to keep the gas connection for one last appliance - your cooktop.

What are the impacts for the Illawarra?

David: I think long term, we can educate our whole customer base on the benefits of electrification with real-world examples. This will help more of the community make the transition.

Given the research nature of the project, are there learnings that you think are important to convey from a trades perspective?

David: Mostly that experience and expertise create the best outcomes for our business and for the end user. As a business, it's fine to have an approach of "we'll give anything a go", but the reality is that only with experience can you confidently provide high-quality long-term solutions. The products we install have to last for a long time to be a truly sustainable solution.

Sun People installing a home battery.

If you're curious about going all-electric, there's still time to join the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot.  Eligible applicants can get subsidies approved and start requesting quotes immediately. Apply today!

This article was first published in the amazing local mag, the Illawarra Flame. We are proud supporters of local, independent media.