How one local is powering change with the Virtual Energy Network (VEN)

CASE STUDY

“Be part of Australia’s energy revolution – join the Deakin Virtual Energy (VEN) Network
Research Study.  Share clean power, reduce costs, and build a more resilient, sustainable
future for all. Whether you have got solar panels or not, there’s a place for you in the energy system of tomorrow”.

A powerful message from Chris, pictured on the front page standing outside the cafÇ where she picks up her morning coffee and where she supplies her excess solar energy.  Chris is a passionate, early adopter of the VEN in her regional town.  For her, joining the VEN wasn’t just about saving money on power bills,  it was about creating a cleaner, more connected, and more resilient energy future.

Why Chris Joined her Local VEN

Chris first discovered the VEN at a local community meeting. Already generating her own solar power, she saw a new opportunity: instead of exporting her excess energy back to the grid for minimal returns, she could share it through the VEN and unlock greater value for her contribution.

“I heard about the VEN at a WinZero meeting and thought it sounded like a great way to share my excess solar energy with those who weren’t able to install solar but who wanted to be part of the move toward a cleaner, greener future”.

Setting Up Was Simple

Chris signed up with Energy Locals Enosi’s Powertracer platform to track and manage her energy trades.

“All I needed was a smart meter and a phone or computer. The system does the rest”.

Now, she trades peer-to-peer – sharing energy with her sister, local cafe owners, and others in her town and beyond, all the way to South Australia (SA).

How the VEN Works for Chris

• Store First, Share Next: With a home battery, Chris stores solar energy, uses what she needs, and trades the excess
  with her VEN network.
• Smarter Sharing: When it’s cloudy here, I can access excess power from another member who?s generating energy.
  SA members use our morning sun, and we use theirs after dark. It’s real-time sharing across NSW and SA.
• Trading Energy Like Money: It’s just like how money moves around via banks – that’s how energy moves around
  the VEN. Once you get it, it makes perfect sense.

Saving Money, Cutting Emissions

While exact savings vary due to changing energy prices, Chris is confident:

“I’m buying energy at less than retail and selling excess for more than the standard feed-in tariff. Plus, my daily supply charge is lower than what I paid with my former retailer”.

The result? Lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Want to know where Chris?s excess energy goes?

From April to September 2024 this is how Chris shared her excess.