Modern grid technologies

Upgrading our network to support renewable energy

We’re focused on providing reliable electricity supply and we continue to invest in the upgrade of electricity infrastructure, leveraging the latest technology to build a more resilient network.

We power one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and need to be positioned to keep up with customer demands and requirements. That’s why we’re exploring new and innovative ways to connect customers and deliver energy solutions that will meet future energy needs.

This includes,

  • Community batteries - Community batteries maximise rooftop solar usage. They store locally generated solar energy, promoting lower electricity costs and facilitating the expansion of household solar power. This shared battery solution benefits both solar-equipped households by meeting community energy demand, and non-solar residents by enabling their contribution to the renewable energy shift.

Example of Community Battery installed 

  • Network batteries - Network batteries can regulate frequency and voltage mitigating the impact of network imbalances due to high local solar generation. They stabilise electricity quality, lowering the risk of outages during peak use times while also absorbing excess solar energy from local rooftop solar panels. This not only enhances the power supply but also provides reserve electricity during high demand periods.

Example of Network Battery installed in Blue Mountains

  • STATCOM - A STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) is a device used in electrical power systems to regulate voltage levels and improve the stability of the power grid. It achieves this by providing reactive power compensation, which helps to maintain a constant voltage level despite changes in load or other disturbances.
  • Microgrid - A microgrid is a small, local network of electricity users with a local source of power that can operate independently of the main electricity grid. It typically includes a combination of renewable energy sources like solar panels and energy storage systems like batteries.
  • Stand Alone Power Systems (SAPs) - A standalone power supply is an electricity supply arrangement that is not physically connected to the electricity grid. It encompasses both microgrids and individual power systems. These systems are designed to generate and distribute electricity independently.
Important considerations during the outage
  • If you’re a life support customer, please activate your back-up plan immediately. If you are not currently registered for life support and require power for the use of medical devices, please call 131 003 to commence the registration process.
  • Once power supply is lost, automatic garage doors will not open. It is always good to know how to manually open, close and safely secure your garage door in case of a loss of power.
  • Some of the trucks used to repair electricity infrastructure are large and we may be forced to park across driveways to enable safe access to complete the work required. Talk to our crew when they arrive onsite if you need access to your vehicle, they will work with you to find a suitable time.
  • In rural areas loss of power often results in loss of water. If you require power for water pumps at your property please consider alternate power generation (I.e. Petrol generators) or alternate water supplies for the duration of the outage.
What to expect when our teams are onsite

During installation you can expect to see several Endeavour Energy trucks and team members throughout the course of this work which may impact traffic flow from time to time.

Example of impacts to road when teams are working

Installations, whether it's a Community Battery, Network Battery, or a STATCOM Device, are usually completed within a day. To ensure everyone's safety during the process, a brief power outage might be necessary.

There are also instances where a new power pole needs to be set up along with the device being installed. This pole may be delivered and securely positioned nearby ahead of the installation day.

After the completion of the installation work, old poles that have been replaced might temporarily remain onsite. These require a special vehicle for removal, and we aim to have these poles collected within 3-5 business days.

On the day of installation, our team may use 1-2 elevated work platforms to reach necessary heights, a crane borer truck for the replacement of poles and small earth moving equipment if required. They will also use power tools throughout the course of work.

Example of Community Battery installation that requires earth moving for underground connection

Example of Network Battery and Statcom Device installation on new or existing power pole

A few days following installation, our team will return for a thorough testing of the newly installed equipment. This ensures everything is functioning as required.

We aim to conduct work in favourable weather conditions, avoiding extreme heat or cold for the safety and comfort of our team. Please note that while we strive to stick to our projected timeline, unexpected factors such as adverse weather or storms may necessitate changes to our schedule

Outage Hints and Tips:

Protect your personal safety, electrical equipment and improve your outage experience by following these helpful tips:

  • try to keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible to avoid food spoiling
  • switch off any electronic equipment and disconnect it from the power outlet prior to the interruption. This includes items such as computers, printers, internet modems & routers, media players, television sets and electronic timers
  • switch off three phase motors such as air conditioners and garage doors
  • recharge or replace batteries for portable devices such as mobile phones, tablets, radios and torches
  • do not arrange for electrical work to be undertaken within your premises during the outage
  • if you have solar panels, check your system is restored once the outage is complete. Not all solar inverters will switch back on automatically.
  • once your power has been switched off, remember any automatic/electric door (garage doors etc.) will not operate, so it is good to move your car out before the planned outage, or understand how to use the manual override.
  • in rural areas loss of power often results in loss of water. If you require power for water pumps at your property please consider alternate power generation (I.e. Petrol generators) or alternate water supplies for the duration of the outage.
  • gas powered stoves and hot water systems rely on electricity supply in order to ignite, you therefore will not have these available during the planned outage.
  • your NBN internet and home phone service will not be available without your electricity supply (unless backup infrastructure has been installed), so please make alternate arrangements
  • don’t turn any electric appliances on during your planned outage and leave them on, as often they will turn on when supply is restored and you least expect it
  • consider purchasing an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) connected to any critical devices which may be required during a planned outage
  • a USB power bank may provide backup to charge any USB devices (phones etc) during a planned outage
  • our construction works often require road closures. This could affect bus routes on the day of the works, so please be across any potential impacts to your commute
  • please be aware that we may be working in your street on days scheduled for your bin pickup. If possible, try to place bins in a location that they can be picked up.
Questions or concerns

For further information about Endeavour Energy or outages in your area speak with our team on 131 003 or reach out using Facebook or Twitter.