WITH the federal government’s new Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched this week, a free community event in Armidale will help locals unpack what battery storage means for households, electric vehicles and the community more broadly.

Renewable Energy Storage for the Home: Home, Community and Electric Vehicle Batteries will be held on Thursday, July from 10  from 5.15pm to 7pm at NOVA, 122 Faulkner Street, Armidale, with an option to attend online – Register Here.

The event is open to renters, homeowners, installers, community groups and anyone curious about the future of energy, whether they’re looking to cut energy costs, boost home efficiency, or better understand emerging battery technologies and incentives.

Covering everything from home battery systems and electric vehicles to community-scale storage, the session will explore the benefits and challenges of battery adoption.

It will include explanations of how technologies such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) work, and how battery storage connects with broader electricity networks.

An expert line-up of speakers will share their insights and be available to answer questions from the audience, including Geoff Bragg from the Smart Energy Council, who will explain how home battery systems work and what the new Cheaper Home Batteries Program means for households.

Bridie Schmidt from NRMA will explore how electric vehicles can store and supply energy through bidirectional charging technologies like Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H).

Sally Hunter from Geni.Energy, will discuss community-led generation and storage for business, home and farm, and Alistair Fletcher from Essential Energy will discuss two current trials of larger-scale storage that deliver benefits back to participating customers.

Electrify Armidale convenor Trevor Brown said the event comes just days after the launch of the federal government’s $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

The program provides around 30 per cent upfront discounts on battery installations for eligible households and businesses.

“This event is all about empowering locals to take control of their energy future,” Mr Brown said.

“We want to make it easier for people to understand their energy storage options, reduce bills, and get involved in the shift to renewables – whether that is installing a home battery, using your EV to power your home, or being part of a community battery project.”

Regional Partnerships co-ordinator at Community Power Agency Heidi McElnea said battery storage is often talked about as the critical piece in the clean energy puzzle.

“But it can be complex. That is why we are bringing together some experts in the field to break it down, answer questions, and connect the dots between national policy and local action,” Ms McElnea said.

“We all have a role to play in this energy shift, and it starts with understanding what is possible.”

The event is part of a broader series offering practical, hands-on learning opportunities for residents and businesses across the New England region.

The program covers solar, electrification and energy efficiency upgrades, electric vehicles, and large-scale renewables, connecting communities with expert advice, financial incentives, and trusted local suppliers.

The event is made possible through grant funding provided by the Paul Ramsay Foundation through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Community Led Climate Solutions grant program.