Apartment residents hit electrification roadblocks

Residents at a North Melbourne apartment complex are highlighting apartment electrification infrastructure barriers.

The owners corporation at a 33-unit apartment complex in North Melbourne has spent years improving the sustainability and liveability of its building. The committee has been pursuing electrification opportunities, including efficient electric appliances, electric vehicles and rooftop solar, but found that the building's gas-era design and limited electrical capacity may require substantial upgrades to both the building and local electricity network before residents can fully electrify. So far, the committee has invested $14,000 in consultants and technical assessments, as well as more than 1,000 hours of volunteer time, to explore electrification opportunities. It cost $5,500 just to answer a basic question: can the local grid supply enough power for the building to go all-electric? Despite these challenges, the committee remains committed to the transition. Their experience highlights both the leadership of resident-led communities and the need for targeted support to overcome infrastructure barriers and accelerate apartment electrification. Case study credit: Haines Street Owners Corporation, and High Life Expo.