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Whether you have a house or apartment, you’re almost certainly connected to the electricity grid. From local power lines either overhead or underground that connect to your home, electricity travels from distribution lines, substations, and the source at main power stations. Whilst these grids work for many, they aren’t the solution for all. For some communities and buildings - particularly remote ones or large complexes - it is either not feasible or not a sustainable solution to connect to the grid conventionally.
Embedded energy networks revolutionise the way utilities are consumed, offering a private network embedded into a building that can not only provide electricity but also water and gas, too. We’ll be exploring the inner workings of embedded energy networks, their benefits, and why communities should choose to be powered by a private embedded network.
From how they work, to their benefits, and why your community and businesses should connect to utilities through a private embedded network, here’s everything you need to know.
An embedded energy network acts as a mini-grid that supplies electricity to a community, circumventing the need for individual users to directly connect to the main grid. Rather than connecting directly to the main grid, the network operates within the property’s boundaries, with its own internal wiring and metering infrastructure, allowing developments and communities to leverage the volume of electricity they use to improve efficiencies and costs for individual occupants.
With the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, embedded networks now frequently integrate solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
The owner or operator of the private embedded network purchases electricity wholesale from a licensed retailer, which is then channelled through a central meter. This energy is then redistributed to individual consumers within the network using internal infrastructure such as transformers, cables, and meters, to individual users, with sub-meters in each unit to measure usage. Individual users are then billed based on their actual energy consumption measured by individual meters, similar to the traditional grid system, but costs are often lower thanks to wholesale purchases.
Embedded Energy Networks have several benefits, with a major benefit being reduced energy costs. Whereas an individual has to negotiate a contract with energy retailers, using an embedded network, the entire community’s purchasing power is combined to obtain discounts for their electricity. Because the embedded network helps to improve efficiency, individuals won’t have to pay more. Additionally, as the Australian Energy Regulator mandates that residents within an embedded network can source their electricity from a retailer of their choice, individuals are also entitled to seek quotations for the supply of electricity directly from any retailer.
Energy security is another benefit of an embedded network, as it can help to ensure the building or community is more resilient to power outages or other disruptions to the energy supply. This is thanks to the independent infrastructure within the embedded network that can offer increased protection.
As embedded energy networks can generate renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, they can also help to reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint, which is particularly important in green and sustainable communities.
Embedded networks offer several advantages for both property developers and residents:
Cost Savings: Lower distribution network costs can lead to more affordable energy prices for consumers.
Sustainability: Integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, supports environmental goals and reduces carbon footprints.
Enhanced Control: Advanced metering and management systems provide consumers with greater insight and control over their energy usage.
Future-Proofing: Incorporating EV charging stations and other modern amenities prepares developments for evolving technological demands.
Embedded energy networks offer a glimpse of a more sustainable energy future with more conscious energy usage. By providing localised energy solutions, these networks can empower small communities, improve energy efficiency, and promote renewable energy integration.
Embedded networks are instrumental in Australia's transition to renewable energy. By facilitating the local generation and consumption of solar power, these networks reduce reliance on the main grid and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, they enable the implementation of battery storage solutions, ensuring energy availability during peak demand periods and contributing to grid stability.
In 2024, Altogether Group partnered with a residential development in New South Wales to implement an embedded energy network. The project included rooftop solar installations, battery storage, and EV charging stations. As a result, residents experienced a 25% reduction in energy costs and a significant decrease in carbon emissions, aligning with Australia's net-zero objectives.
Embedded networks are central to Australia's strategy for achieving net-zero emissions. By promoting the use of renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency in multi-tenant developments, these networks contribute to national sustainability targets. Furthermore, they support the decentralisation of energy production, reducing transmission losses and improving overall grid resilience.
Embedded networks reduce carbon emissions by allowing communities to produce and consume clean, renewable energy on-site, such as solar power. This decreases the reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity from the broader grid, cutting down on emissions associated with traditional energy supply.
Yes. Embedded networks align with state and federal net-zero targets by enabling smarter, greener energy infrastructure. The ability to incorporate solar PV, battery storage, and energy management systems supports policies aimed at reducing emissions and increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix.
At Altogether, we deliver reliable, localised essential services to over 400 communities across Australia. From world-leading recycled water systems to efficient embedded energy networks in high-rise communities, and smart grids in small communities, we're determined to do the right thing by our customers, and by the planet. As a multi-utility service provider, it’s our mission to make the world a brighter place, and we do that by offering sustainable power, water and data services.
If you would like to learn more about embedded energy networks and how your community can connect to an embedded network, get in touch with us today.
