We kicked off May with the long-awaited launch of our neighbourhood battery and EV charger in Clifton Hill, an incredibly proud moment for our team.
Read more about the project below.
We're also coming towards the end of the Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow, with just a few events left to go. Supported by Sustainability Victoria, the roadshow has brought together some wonderful community events, where residents could learn more about the benefits of home electrifcation.
LAUNCHING | Clifton Hill Neighbourhood battery and EV charger
On Friday 15 May 2026, Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, launched our neighbourhood battery and 60 kW public EV charger in Clifton Hill.
The project was funded with a $750,000 grant from the Victorian Government through the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative.
This is the first dedicated front-of-meter neighbourhood battery designed to harmonise with public EV charging in inner-Melbourne.
EV charging will be cheaper during the "solar window" and more expensive during peak times. This is because we’re trialling how neighbourhood batteries and EVs can better work together, lowering pressure on the grid and incentivising use when solar production is highest (often when both energy emissions and prices are lowest).
The EV chargers have a lower-than-average height and wider parking spaces to improve accessibility for wheelchair users, with parking signage designed in consultation with local residents to match local use preferences.
Profits from the neighbourhood battery and EV charger will be returned to the local community through a Community Benefit Fund, delivered in partnership with the City of Yarra.
Seven people standing beside an electric vehicle charging station in a park setting, with palm trees and cloudy skies in the background. Several people are wearing Yarra Energy Foundation shirts, and an electric vehicle is parked behind them.
CONCLUDING | Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow | May events
The Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow is coming to a close with four final events in May.
This project is supported by the Community Electrification Engagement Program, delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.
- MARIBYRNONG | ELMA | Come and try - e-bikes and induction cooking | Sunday 3 May 2026 | 11am-2pm AEST | at Braybrook Community Hub, Hosted by Electrify Maribyrnong (ELMA)
- CoPP | ELSO | Energy efficiency and electrification for rental homes | Wednesday 6 May 2026 | 6.30-8pm AEST | at St Kilda Library (Community Room). Hosted by Electrify Southside (ELSO)
- MOONEE VALLEY | MVS | Electrify your life (or school or home) | Thursday 14 May 2026 | 6.30-9pm AEST | at Ascot Vale Church of Christ, Hosted by Moonee Valley Sustainability
- NILLUMBIK | CEN | Electrification speed date | Saturday 30 May 2026 | 2-4.05pm | at Edendale Community Environment Farm. Hosted by Clean Energy Nilumbik
You can read more about our upcoming events over on our LinkedIn newsletter.
ADVISING | Solar for Apartments rebate extended
The Victorian Government has extended the Solar for Apartments rebate until 30 June 2027, or until rebates are exhausted.
The program offers rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment, with a maximum of $140,000 per property. Rebates are available for apartment buildings, strata townhouses and units under the control of an Owners Corporation and sharing a common property rooftop.
- For apartment residents and Owners Corporations looking for extra guidance: YEF's Guide to Solar for Apartments.
- Solar Victoria's list of authorised solar retailers
- Learn more about solar for apartments including eligibility criteria for the rebate
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.
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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.