Monbulk electorate
Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (14:36): (185) My constituency question is for the Minister for Energy and Resources and concerns the Andrews Labor government’s recent announcement to introduce neighbourhood batteries in each of the local government areas captured within the seat of Monbulk. Minister, how will neighbourhood batteries support a more resilient network across the Dandenong Ranges? Energy resilience is an imperative issue across the ranges, with power outages a common occurrence. Neighbourhood batteries are an incredible initiative which enable the network to support more rooftop solar by storing solar-generated electricity during the day and discharging it during the evenings when demand is highest. This enables consumers to generate and consume more renewable energy locally and supports Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets. I would appreciate any further information that the minister could provide on the benefits of neighbourhood batteries for the people in my electorate, and I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with my community of Monbulk.