Colo Heights back up power supply
In Colo Heights in the Hawkesbury, we're investing in new technology to help keep the lights on when the weather turns bad, while making sure that our community shares in the benefits of cleaner energy.Â
Generating stronger local resilience
We are delivering an energy resilience initiative in Colo Heights – a community on the frontline of bushfires, storms and extended outages. ​
By mid-2026, a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) battery will be installed at the existing generator site on Putty Road. This battery will work alongside the current generator to make our local supply stronger, cleaner and fairer.
It will act as the primary source of backup power, with the existing generator retained only as a contingency measure. It is expected to be used infrequently and will be decommissioned over time as the battery system improves its reliability and capacity. ​
What we're installing
The large-scale battery is being installed at Colo Heights and will help store and supply electricity during outages or when solar is plentiful.
The battery is the size of a large shipping container, can store over 2,500 kWh of power, which is enough to power provide instantaneous backup power during outages. ​
​The battery is designed with multiple safety features to prevent overheating and fire, including a sealed enclosure, cooling systems and built-in hazard controls. It meets strict international safety standards. ​
The benefits
The Colo Heights BESS is not just an infrastructure upgrade, it is a community safeguard, a climate adaptation tool and a symbol of equitable progress. It reflects our commitment to delivering energy solutions that meet the needs of all customers - especially those most at risk.​
It is part of our broader strategy to build a future-ready energy network - one that is resilient, inclusive and sustainable. It complements other initiatives such as the state’s first community microgrid in Bawley Point and Kioloa, and the rollout of 76 community batteries across NSW, all aimed at ensuring regional communities are not left behind​.
This project means Colo Heights will be better prepared for storms, bushfires and outages - with a cleaner, more reliable energy supply that works for everyone by:
- Keeping power on during storms: The battery reacts instantly, keeping homes and businesses supplied when the wider grid is interrupted.
- Reducing reliance on diesel: By storing clean energy, the battery means the generator runs less, cutting emissions and noise.
- Making solar work harder: Extra solar generated by local rooftops can be stored and used later, instead of going to waste.
- Ensuring fairer access for all: Even if you rent or don’t have solar panels, you can still benefit from the community battery through arrangements with electricity retailers
