Essential Energy talks solar safety
Focus on renewable energy for Electricity Safety Week
SAFETY AROUND SOLAR AND BATTERIES ARE THE BUZZ WORDS IN NSW CLASSROOMS
The importance of community safety around sources of renewable energy will be a focus of Essential Energy’s annual Electricity Safety Week activities from 2-6 September. Electricity Safety Week raises awareness of the hazards associated with electricity and teaches students how to be safe around electricity at homes and outdoors.
Essential Energy Chief People Officer Amalie Smith says this year’s addition of renewable energy sources is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about how to stay safe around things like community batteries and solar farms. “Renewable energy generation and storage are becoming more common in the regional, rural and remote communities across the Essential Energy network footprint,” Amalie says. “Students will learn why more of our electricity is coming from renewable sources and how the rooftop solar panels, that are becoming more common on homes in their neighbourhoods, generate electricity. While solar energy, wind, hydropower and community batteries are great for the environment, they are no-go zones for most of us.”
The NSW Government’s Smart Energy Schools Pilot Project has installed 17 megawatts of solar energy systems in about 1,500 NSW public schools. Solar and battery energy storage systems have also been installed at 79 public schools in NSW. These systems can generate enough energy to power 3,000 NSW homes.
More than 870 schools in Essential Energy’s footprint will be involved in the program which includes lesson booklets with activities, electricity safety posters, stickers and great schoolroom prizes including high bounce balls and circuit kits.
“Electrons, currents and volts will be the buzz words in classrooms, along with safety messages around keeping away from overhead powerlines, how to use home electrical appliances safely, and what to do in an electrical emergency,” Amalie says. “Electricity Safety Week is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about potential electrical hazards in a way that is interesting and engaging for children.”
Find out more about Electricity Safety Week activities and online resources on the Essential Energy website.