Energy monitoring devices at MySAS homes

This not only provides information on electricity usage that MySAS will offset, it also provides customers the information they require to understand where they can potentially save on energy costs. Energy usage for MySAS customers may be significantly higher than standard electricity users due to their reliance on assistive technology to control their environment and the need for additional charging requirements for equipment so any savings that can be achieved are a positive outcome.

Clipsal Solar are our preferred company to install the Wattwatchers energy monitoring devices. They have a user friendly app available for each dwelling that can be downloaded on the customer’s device. This allows each customer to monitor their energy use, by receiving information on the amount of energy produced where solar is installed, as well as monitoring certain circuits and air conditioning.

MySAS are working towards having any new freestanding or single storey attached dwellings (such as townhouses, villas and duplexes) to have, as a minimum, solar panels and inverters installed, with battery storage where possible.

In discussions with Clipsal Solar and other providers, MySAS believes there are other technology solutions that can be incorporated into the dwellings, including items such as more efficient hot water systems, solar and heat pumps, and power provisions for Electric Vehicles. Feasibility work continues, to determine the point at which these emergent technologies should be incorporated within a new dwelling.

MySAS is also working with home builders in developing a range of standard housing designs with the intent of scaling up. This is expected to enable MySAS to influence the design outcomes and drive passive solar design through the planning of internal spaces and access to natural light and ventilation, together with standardising a specification that encapsulates sustainability standards. This should allow more efficient energy outcomes, and potentially enable MySAS to better inform building partners on other solutions such as waste management and material selection.