What Strata Can Learn from Future-Proofing WA’s Energy Landscape

Business News recently partnered with EnergyTec on the article Future-proofing WA businesses in a changing energy landscape. While the focus was on the commercial sector, many of the insights are directly relevant to strata properties.

Strata communities are facing the same pressures as businesses. Rising energy costs, increasing grid complexity, and growing expectations from owners and residents around transparency and sustainability are now everyday challenges. Strata managers are often required to balance these expectations with budget constraints, frequently without access to the technical expertise available in larger commercial operations.

So, what practical steps can strata managers and owners take?

Start with understanding your property

There is no one size fits all solution in strata. Every building has unique infrastructure and energy needs. Understanding how and when energy is used across the property is critical before considering any upgrades.

Without clear insight, there is a risk of investing in solutions that increase costs without delivering meaningful returns. A holistic approach is essential, looking at how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed across the entire site.

Evaluating rooftop solar

For properties with suitable roof space, solar PV systems can be an effective way to support renewable energy goals and reduce reliance on the grid. However, successful implementation requires careful planning.

Key considerations include system sizing, allocation of generated energy between owners, management of excess generation, and ongoing performance monitoring. Without sufficient metering and load data, it is difficult to design a system that performs efficiently and delivers expected savings.

Planning for EV adoption

Electric vehicle uptake is accelerating, and with it comes increasing demand for charging infrastructure in strata properties. While EV charging may appear straightforward, it can significantly alter a building’s energy profile.

Charging demand typically peaks in the evening, coinciding with already high electricity demand periods. This can lead to increased energy costs if not properly managed.

An integrated approach is recommended, where EV infrastructure is designed alongside solar, battery storage, and load management systems. This allows for more efficient energy use and better cost control over the long term.

The role of battery storage

Battery systems are becoming an important tool in managing energy costs. They allow excess solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used during peak periods when electricity prices are higher.

This is particularly beneficial in residential strata, where daytime energy demand is often low. For mixed-use developments with commercial tenancies, there may also be opportunities to optimise tariff structures and further balance costs.

Why data matters

At the core of all these strategies is access to accurate, real-time data. Reliable data is essential for understanding current energy usage and making informed decisions about future investments.

Advanced metering systems provide detailed insights into consumption patterns, supporting better planning for solar, EV charging, and battery storage. Without this visibility, decision making becomes significantly more difficult and riskier.

Navigating a complex future

Future-proofing a strata property’s energy systems is becoming increasingly complex. From renewable integration to evolving tariffs and infrastructure upgrades, the path forward can be challenging.

EnergyTec supports strata managers and owners through this transition by assessing suitability for renewable energy upgrades, facilitating the move to advanced metering, and providing modelling and feasibility studies to guide investment decisions.

Strata communities do not need to navigate this changing energy landscape alone. With the right advice and planning, they can make informed choices that balance sustainability goals with financial realities.