24 Apr 2026

Merri-bek City Council has installed a new community battery in Brunswick. The 500kWh battery will generate revenue that will subsidise more low-income households to install solar panels on their homes.

The battery has been supported by The Australian Government's Community Batteries for Household Solar program, and Merri-bek City Council. The battery was delivered with Origin Energy, electricity distributor CitiPower, and the Merri-bek community.

The revenue generated from this battery will be used to help reduce energy bills and emissions in Merri-bek’s community.

The battery is located at the back of the car park at 797 Sydney Rd, Brunswick and is just off the Upfield bike path. It features a mural by local artist Yasuko Toda. Toda’s artwork uses the battery enclosure as a canvas and creatively tells the story of the flow of solar energy from the battery to the community.

Merri-bek City Council Mayor Nat Abboud welcomes the operational launch of the battery and the benefits it will deliver for Merri-bek’s community.

“The Brunswick community battery will ensure we can help more households save on their power bills and live more sustainably.

“I’m delighted that the battery will help to subsidise low-income household to install solar panels in their homes.

“The battery will also enable increased use of renewable energy in the grid and reduce climate pollution.”    

This is the latest in a series of Council initiatives to help residents and businesses reap the benefits of clean energy, reducing energy bills while creating a healthy, safe future.

To learn more about support available to make the clean energy switch in your home visit zerocarbonmerri-bek.org.au.