At Armidale Uniting Church, the shift toward clean energy has become a practical, community-focused effort. As renewable projects expanded across the New England region, the congregation realised many local families were missing out on the benefits. This sparked an important question: how could the church use its buildings and community networks to help reduce energy stress in Armidale?
With several large buildings and north-facing roofs, the church saw an opportunity to install a significant solar and battery system. While this will reduce the church’s own energy costs and emissions, the long-term vision is to share surplus power with community groups using the site and, eventually, with households facing financial hardship or living in homes where installing solar isn’t possible. This could especially help families in shaded rentals, older properties or those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
As the idea grew, church members realised they had valuable skills to offer. Some had installed solar or improved heating in their own homes, while others had experience supporting people facing financial or housing challenges.
This led to the creation of “energy companions” – volunteers who help locals understand their energy bills, access concessions and make simple, low-cost improvements. They listen first, offer practical advice, and connect people with trusted installers when larger upgrades are needed. Working with interpreters ensures refugee and migrant families can equally access support. The focus is on trust, not selling anything.
Partnerships are central to the church’s approach. Armidale already has neighbourhood centres, Uniting services, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, multicultural support groups, women’s refuges, housing providers and financial counsellors working with vulnerable households. By collaborating, the church hopes to host workshops, offer safe spaces during extreme weather and eventually share power to reduce operating costs for community organisations and the families they assist.
The Electrification Working Group, led by Professor Trevor Brown from UNE, is driving much of this work.
“Household electrification is already gathering pace in many communities across Australia, but too many low-income households are being left behind,” said Professor Brown.
“In regional communities like Armidale, the energy transition is not an abstract policy debate, it shows up as winter cold, summer heat and power bills that people cannot absorb. This program puts equity at the centre and helps households take the next step from information to action.”
In the past two years, the group has replaced outdated gas and wood heaters with modern electric systems across the four-building precinct. Infrared heaters now warm the heritage-listed 1860s sanctuary, while other buildings have efficient reverse-cycle systems. Solar and battery plans continue to progress, with the aim of sharing power with households most in need.
Professor Brown noted that the church’s intention is simply to use what it has to support others.
“Momentum will build through a whole-of-community effort: when local services, volunteers, council and community groups work together, we can make upgrades simpler, safer and more accessible, especially for renters and households doing it tough,” he said.
The church is also a partner in Electrify Armidale, working with council and community groups to run free events on solar, batteries, electric vehicles and home energy upgrades. Anyone can get involved by volunteering, referring households or donating materials for practical workshops like thermal curtain-making.
Residents or organisations wanting to connect with the program can visit the Electrify Armidale for a Renewable Energy Future Facebook page, email the church at admin@armidaleunitingchurch.org.au, or contact Professor Trevor Brown at tbrown3@une.edu.au.
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