Ausgrid, formerly known as Energy Australia, is almost ready to flick the switch on its energy-saving trial Smart Grid, Smart City.

Ausgrid spokesman Paul Myors said the trial would enable residents to track their energy usage and save money on power bills.

“We’re testing whether energy storage technology can make the electricity supply more reliable and give customers greater control over their household energy use,” he said.

Mr Myors said an energy storage unit that comprised a five-kilowatt zinc-bromine battery about the size of a slimline fridge would be fitted to each home near the property’s meter board.

The device would remain connected to the home for the length of the trial, which is expected to take two years.

A major benefit for households fitted with the energy unit is that the home can continue to run on battery power during times of power outages.

The units can also be used to draw and store power from the main grid during off peak times when the power is cheaper, then used to run the home during peak times when power is more expensive.

If successful, the trial will be rolled out across other urban and rural areas to reduce demand for power during peak times and improve the efficiency of Ausgrid’s existing electricity network.

Twenty Scone households will receive a letter inviting them to take part in the trial over the next few months.