One phone call was all it took to negotiate a clean energy solution for an Aboriginal community in South Australia.
Narungga man Eddie Newchurch struck a deal with local electricity retailer AGL for every house in the Point Pearce community, 194km north-west of Adelaide, to receive rooftop solar.
Mr Newchurch recently attended the First Nations Clean Energy Network's PowerMakers program, designed to develop and empower local Indigenous leaders in their community's renewables transition.
The initiative from Australia's leading First Nations clean energy network launched in 2024, equipping attendees with specific and relevant knowledge, skills and resources to become leaders in the energy transition, with capability to advance projects and awareness in their communities.
Mr Newchurch said he negotiated rooftop solar installation for every house in the community of approximately 150 people during a phone call with AGL agent Jo Maddin.
"Jo rang me and said AGL is doing a project up at Barn Hill," he said.
"I said 'alright, let's have a yarn about solar'."
After discussions with Mr Newchurch, AGL agreed to install and fund solar on every home in the community to help reduce electricity bills.
The electricity retailer's head of corporate finance, Jason Layatt, said 6 to 7 kilowatts of solar would be installed on dozens of homes.
"There's about 40 households, so 440 systems, and in addition to that a 10 kilowatt hour solar battery to support their energy generation and energy usage," he said.
"On a typical South Australian household, this will translate to approximately $1000 to $2000 a year in electricity cost savings."
Narungga Elder Rex Angie was more than happy to support the rooftop solar solution.
"We need energy so we can live ... people living in houses need power," he said.
FNCEN's South Australian coordinator Glen Wingfield said the rooftop solar solution was a telling example of community leading negotiations with local energy providers.
"At the network, we talk to industry and government a lot about ensuring energy security for mob," he said.
"Everyone says they want to do the right thing - make energy reliable and affordable - and ensure no one is left behind in South Australia's energy transition.
"But sometimes they don't know where to start."
AGL collaborated with Point Pearce residents, identifying their energy needs and designing an affordable solution.
"With over four million homes in Australia enjoying rooftop solar and battery solutions, and clean reliable affordable energy, it's great First Nations residents in Point Pearce will also enjoy the same benefits," Mr Wingfield said.
Mr Wingfield urged First Nations communities and groups across Australia to engage local utilities and start working on solar solutions.
"Point Pearce and AGL have created the template for how it can be done," he said.
Solar roof installation for the Point Pearce community will begin early 2026.
More information about the PowerMakers program is available online.
