Moving into autumn, the team at YEF has been busy across a range of projects and events.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’ve been up to recently and what’s coming up:
- We released an article discussing EV charging in apartments
- Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow continues with more amazing events
- YEF participated in the Vehicle-Grid Network roundtable and
- Hume Home Energy Upgrades Program results are in.
ASKING | EV charging in apartments: is it simpler than we think?
As EV uptake grows across Australia, a common question keeps coming up: how will people living in apartments charge their cars?
In our latest article, we explored this questions by speaking with experts from the EV, energy and apartment sectors.
Some key takeaways:
- Most Australians should only require 'trickle charging' through a regular power point. This can decrease costs for EV charging installations.
- Residents who don't own an EV can also benefit, with power points installed in car bays or storage cages that can be used for running other devices.
- This can be important for grid capacity and reducing peak demand for EVs, especially in apartments that will have their own electrical systems and capacity constraints.
- Read the full article
HIGHLIGHTING | Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow - March events
We are thrilled to be back with another round of fantastic local events, as part of the Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow.
This project is supported by the Community Electrification Engagement Program, delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.
You can read more about our upcoming events over on our LinkedIn newsletter.
Coming up this month:
- FLINDERS | GATHERING | Solar and batteries - is now the time? | 10am - 4pm | Hosted by Repower Mornington Peninsula & Flinders Zero Carbon Community, Flinders Civic Hall
- LILYDALE | GATHERING | Repower the Dandenongs electrification stall at Repower Festival | 22 March 2026 | 10am-4pm | Hosted by Repower the Dandenongs. No registration required.
- MILLGROVE | MRAG | GATHERING | Millgrove Market - Electrification Marquee | 29 March 2026 | 9am-2pm | Hosted by Millgrove Residents Action Group (MRAG). No registration required.
ATTENDING | Vehicle-Grid Network Roundtable
Last month, YEF joined more than 50 stakeholders from 31 organisations at the first Vehicle-Grid Network (VGN) Roundtable helping to shape the future of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration in Australia.
This is Australia’s first collaboration network to accelerate EV-to-grid integration through cross-sector partnerships, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
The Roundtable brought together car and charger manufacturers, energy companies, technology providers, government bodies, research organisations and community groups.
YEF’s participation reflects our commitment to collaborative, cross-sector solutions that help communities benefit from emerging clean energy technologies.
REPORTING | Hundreds of Home Energy Upgrades in Hume
Yarra Energy Foundation has been delivering the Hume Home Energy Upgrades program in partnership with Hume City Council (HCC), helping residents make their homes more comfortable, energy efficient and affordable to run, while reducing their household emissions.
Since launching in September 2024, the program has delivered strong results (as of 25 February 2026):
- 14,218 CO2-e tonnes avoided over lifespan of solar and electric upgrades, plus additional savings from thermal upgrades.
- $1,410: Average estimated annual bill savings for concession households through full home electrification, no use of gas.
- 1,275 residents registered for free expert advice
- 455 home energy upgrades completed
- 281 upgrades supported by Council concession rebates
- Most households choosing multiple upgrades to improve comfort and reduce energy bills
If you live in Hume and are interested in upgrading your home, check out the website for more information or to register for a free quote.
SHARING | Electrify Yarra's Community Pilot Project to Lower energy Bills
In 2024, Yarra Energy Foundation delivered Wired for Tomorrow, a vision and roadmap for an all-electric precinct in the City of Yarra. As part of that work, YEF partnered with community group Electrify Yarra to explore how neighbourhoods could transition away from gas and toward efficient electric homes.
Building on this work, Electrify Yarra has now launched a community pilot project to help around 60 households in North Fitzroy electrify their homes and reduce energy bills.
The project will provide intensive support to participating households over the coming year, with the goal of developing a practical model that can be replicated across other neighbourhoods.
As part of the pilot, Electrify Yarra will:
- Establish a baseline of current household appliances, transport, energy sources and costs
- Help households plan and prioritise electrification upgrades, including switching off gas and improving thermal efficiency
- Provide support with quotes, suppliers and lessons learned, while connecting neighbours who have already electrified so they can share their experiences
Throughout the project, Electrify Yarra will track progress and document outcomes to create a guide that other community groups can use to run similar neighbourhood electrification initiatives.
OFFERING | Rewiring Australia Network Model
Rewiring Australia has made a submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) to support the 'recognition that the current pricing framework will not deliver equitable outcomes as consumer energy resources (CER) proliferate.' The way network costs are recovered needs to change as our energy generation changes.
While they recognise this, they are also proposing another model of charging:
- property-value-scaled fixed charges levied on property owners rather than electricity account holders, combined with
- stronger dynamic network pricing that rewards batteries and flexible loads for genuinely reducing system costs.
The submission proposes a new model for charging that will help to bring everyone along in the energy transition, rather than only those who can afford electrification upgrades being able to transition.
SHARING | Our Services
Find out more about the services that Yarra Energy Foundation offers including:
- Feasibility studies
- Community Engagement
- Community battery strategies for local councils
- Consulting & advice
- Project management
- Solar & electrification programs
We are a small team of extremely passionate energy experts with decades of combined industry, governmental, business, and sustainability experience.
MORE:
Yarra Energy Foundation acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung as the Traditional Owners of this country, pays tribute to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Yarra, and gives respect to the Elders past and present.