Totally Renewable Phillip Island (TRPI) has successfully partnered with AusNet to implement a small-scale hot water trial for Rhyll residents demonstrating how community advocacy can drive innovative renewable energy solutions.

Starting 1st March 2026, up to 60 households in Rhyll will have their electric hot water systems automatically shifted from nighttime to daytime operation, harnessing the region's abundant solar energy during peak generation hours between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm, keeping the existing supplementary boost period from 4am to 6am.

Making the Most of Local Solar

The initiative addresses a growing challenge in renewable energy communities: what to do with excess solar energy generated during the day. As Phillip Island continues its transition toward 100% renewable energy by 2030, this trial offers a practical solution that benefits both the local grid and individual households.

By shifting hot water heating to daytime hours, the trial will maximise the use of locally-generated solar power that would otherwise go to waste. This means more solar energy is used within the community, reducing the need for electricity from the grid during nighttime hours when fossil fuel generation is still required.

"This is about being smart with the solar energy we're already generating," said TRPI Chair, Simon Helps. "Instead of curtailing solar systems or exporting excess energy, we're now using it to heat water when the sun is shining. It's common sense, and it will be happening right here in Rhyll."

Key Benefits for Residents

The trial has been designed to deliver multiple benefits to Rhyll residents:

• No cost increase – residents will experience no disruption to their hot water service and no increase in costs
• No action required – the change will happen automatically through the customer’s electricity smart meter
• Potential for savings – residents may be able to negotiate better rates with their electricity retailers by demonstrating their daytime energy usage
• Maximising local solar – utilising excess local neighbourhood solar energy during the day rather than wasting it
• Supporting local solar systems – enabling more homes to install solar and export more electricity to the grid
• Environmental benefits – reducing reliance on coal-fired electricity at night, when the grid typically relies more on fossil fuel generation

"The beauty of this trial is that it benefits everyone," said Simon Helps. "Residents get reliable hot water at no extra cost, the local grid uses more renewable energy, and we reduce our reliance on coal power. That's a win-win-win for our community."

Community Engagement and Information Sessions

TRPI will be conducting multiple community engagement sessions to ensure all residents understand the trial and can ask questions:

Public Information Sessions

• Public Meeting – Rhyll Community Hall - Saturday 24th January 2026 at 11.00 am up until 12.30 pm
• Information stalls at Rhyll Twilight Markets - Site 54 between 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm: on Friday 12th December, Friday 2nd January and Friday 16th January
• Community Drop-in Session - Rhyll Community Hall – Saturday 21st February 2026 at 11.00 am up until 12.30 pm

Online Engagement

• Online Information Session via Zoom - Wednesday 4th February 2026 between 7pm and 8pm – Open for all, including non-residents and property owners – Expression of interest can register via Humanitix registration and Facebook updates
• Facebook updates by following Totally Renewable Phillip Island
• Online registration for updates and FAQ document available at Humanitix