Alongside celebrating CEO Dean Kline's 10 years at the organisation, the YEF team has been working hard to deliver community events and continue work on our many projects.
In this edition:
- Collingwood Leisure Centre EV Charger sees a steady increase in use
- Expansion of the SRES
- New EV-ready guide for owners corporations
- The Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow in review
- Engaging communities on electrification through Sport & Spark
- Electric Saul from Rewiring Australia
CELEBRATING | CEO Dean Kline's 10 years at YEF
Congratulations to Dean Kline on 10 years as CEO of the Yarra Energy Foundation! Over the past decade, Dean’s leadership, expertise and commitment to community outcomes have helped shape YEF’s work in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Drawing on experience across Australia and the UK, Dean has championed practical solutions that create meaningful benefits for communities. We’re proud to celebrate this significant milestone and recognise Dean’s decade of leadership and contribution to YEF.
COLLINGWOOD | YEF | REPORTING | Competitive and time-of-use pricing drives strong EV charging demand
Launched in May 2026, YEF’s EV charger at the Collingwood Leisure Centre is seeing strong uptake from local EV drivers. In July alone, the charger delivered 10.3 MWh of energy across 350 charging sessions — its busiest month yet. Since opening to the public, it has supported more than 1,000 charging sessions and delivered almost 25 MWh of energy.
Our time-of-use pricing is working as intended, with EV drivers taking full advantage of the cheaper charging during the solar window. The charger utilisation is highest during this period, helping make the most of abundant renewable energy in the afternoon.
This data demonstrates the growing demand for public fast EV charging, especially in inner-urban areas of Melbourne where access to home charging can be limited. It’s also great to see the community embracing the charger and making strong use of this new local infrastructure.
AUST | GOV | GRANTING | Mid-scale solar rebate expansion through SRES
The Federal Government is expanding the commercial solar rebate through the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
Key points
- The STC eligibility threshold will increase from 100 kW to 1 MW
- The increase will come into effect from 1 October 2026
- The change will reduce upfront costs by around 20%
This aims to create new solar opportunities for commercial and industrial buildings, farms, schools, hospitals and community facilities, and other commercial buildings who haven't yet benefited from the scheme.
VIC | GOV | PUBLISHING | New EV-ready guide for owners corporations
The Victorian Government has released a new EV-ready guide for owners corporations. It is designed to help apartment communities navigate the process of introducing EV charging in their buildings.
What's covered:
- Developing an EV strategy
- Assessing a building's electrical capacity
- Costs
- Approvals
- Safety
- Supplier selection
- Engaging with owners
It's a useful resource for owners corporations looking to understand their options and take the first steps towards making their building EV-ready.
MELBOURNE | YEF | REVIEWING | Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow
Between September 2025 and May 2026, YEF and 15 local partners delivered 31 Community Electrification Roadshow events across 12 local government areas, attracting 3,759 attendances.
Events covered topics including getting-off-gas, solar and batteries to EVs, induction cooking and apartment electrification. The Roadshow helped households better understand their options and the practical steps involved. Almost 90% of surveyed attendees left more interested in electrification, highlighting a strong appetite for trusted advice, clear pathways and practical and financial support to help households take the next step.
The Roadshow also strengthened relationships between councils and community groups, creating shared resources and experience that can support future programs. A huge thank you to all our Local Event Partners and everyone who attended and helped make the Roadshow such a success.
VIC | YEF | REPORTING | Sport & Spark events | August
YEF is working in partnership with community sports clubs across Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Whittlesea and Wyndham to engage households on home electrification through community sports events and activities.
Our ‘Sport & Spark’ initiative continued this month with AFL clubs Yarraville Seddon Eagles Football Club and Point Cook Football Club, starring AFLW players supporting electrification education.
The final event for August was with Northern BMX a come and try day that got new participants and their families involved.
Continuing into September with our first basketball event with Wyndham Basketball.
YEF has been awarded funding from the Victorian Government to deliver this initiative has a part of the Cheaper Home Electric Energy Program.
AUST | REAU | LAUNCHING | Electric Saul by Rewiring Australia
Rewiring Australia (REAU) has launched Electric Saul, a free online tool designed to make planning your home electrification journey easier. By entering a few details about your home, location, car and goals, Electric Saul provides guidance on upgrades such as solar, batteries, electric hot water, heating and cooling, and EVs. It can also help you understand estimated costs and bill savings, prioritise your next upgrade and develop a practical plan that suits your household.
VIC | YEF | 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.