President’s Report: Mar 2026

It’s a crazy, busy and exciting time for Village Power. It seems like we are balancing multiple plates on sticks at the same time. So far all remain spinning.

The Expression of Interest to find an artist to create art to cover the batteries was launched. You may have seen the posters at different locations. We received high quality applications from 13 artists and have shortlisted four artists to further develop their concepts.

Acacia Energy has ordered the batteries and have been offered a connection agreement by Jemena, that has been accepted. The agreement is a fundamental requirement to connecting the battery to the network grid at the entrance to the Alphington Farmer’s Market. Work is now underway to plan the installation of the underlying battery platform and physical connection. Two bike racks on the footpath were removed by Council to assist the installation. They may be subsequently replaced nearby.

Today, we are very excited to launch our Community Energy Program. There has been a lot of thought go into how to recruit participants, that will become Community Members. You can read more about this in the following articles. I also urge you to come see us at the Alphington Show or Farmers’ Market.

Just quietly we are also planning an official launch in a few months. Stay tuned.

Graeme Martin