The Snowy Valleys continues to enhance its appeal to electric vehicle (EV) drivers, with new chargers now operational across the region, boosting both convenience and connectivity for locals and visitors alike.

Thanks to a partnership between Snowy Hydro and Snowy Valleys Council new public charging stations have been installed at Talbingo, Tumbarumba, Adelong, Khancoban and Tumut.

Snowy Valleys Council Mayor Julia Ham said the project was a major step towards a more sustainable future.

“We are proud to collaborate with Snowy Hydro to bring this vital infrastructure to our community. By installing EV chargers, we can attract more visitors to our region, improve their experience, and encourage longer stays in our townships.

“Expanding EV infrastructure also supports clean energy adoption and strengthens our region’s reputation as an environmentally conscious destination.” 

Snowy Hydro Head of Social Impact and Community Sarah Norris said partnering with the Snowy Valleys Council to deliver EV chargers to the region will make it easier for residents and tourists to the region to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We know more people are using EVs, however the availability of charging infrastructure can be a barrier for tourism to regional communities. Through our partnership with Snowy Valleys Council, we’ve been able to support the delivery of nine EV charging stations in towns such as Adelong and Tumbarumba.

“Snowy Hydro has a proud history of supporting the communities where we operate. This is a tangible way for Snowy Hydro to help people to lower their carbon footprint, attract more visitors to the region, and ensure the local economy continues to thrive.” 

In Tumut, two centrally located EV chargers have been installed in the Coles car park, just a short stroll from the town’s main street. The location offers drivers the perfect opportunity to recharge while enjoying the many cafes, shops and services Tumut has to offer.

Tumbarumba’s two new units are live in Union Lane. These chargers add to the existing unit at the Tumbarumba Sportsground, which was delivered in partnership with the Tumbarumba Chamber of Commerce. Together, they significantly increase accessibility and support the town’s growing visitor economy.

In Talbingo, EV drivers can now recharge near the heart of the shopping precinct and just moments from the picturesque foreshore of Talbingo Dam. Located within 100 metres of a public BBQ area and an adventure playground, the site offers a family-friendly recharge experience.

Adelong’s new charger is now operating in Golden Gully Park, providing access to nearby amenities including public toilets, a playground and the scenic Falls Creek walk. The charger is also within easy walking distance of the historic main street, encouraging visitors to explore the town while they top up.

Khancoban is also on the map, with two new chargers installed in the central shopping centre car park. This key location ensures convenient access to local services and further supports the town’s role as a gateway to alpine adventures.

The 22kW dual-port chargers with dedicated parking spaces are set to attract more day trippers and encourage longer stays and position the Snowy Valleys region as an increasingly attractive destination for eco-conscious visitors.

Council received funding for the initiative from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water’s EV Destination Charging Grants, part of the $20 million Drive Electric NSW program.

Snowy Hydro continues to strengthen its critical role underpinning reliability while enabling Australia’s renewable energy transition with the signing of major energy contracts with Aula Energy and TagEnergy, securing new capacity in wind generation and grid-scale battery storage.

The long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Aula Energy will see Snowy procure 120 MW of renewable energy from the Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm in South Australia.

Snowy has also signed a 15-year, 105 MW, four-hour virtual toll agreement with TagEnergy for the 150 MW Golden Plains BESS in Victoria.

Snowy earlier this year signed a 15-year, 220 MW, four-hour virtual tolling agreement with Akaysha Energy for the 311 MW Elaine BESS. The combined 325 MW of battery storage enhances Snowy’s ability to offer cost-effective solutions to mass-market, large-scale commercial and industrial, and wholesale customers.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the new contracts underscore the importance of on-demand and flexible capacity to ensure the National Electricity Market (NEM) remains reliable as baseload power options like coal retire.

“The agreements with Aula Energy and TagEnergy bring Snowy’s contracted wind, solar and battery storage capacity close to 2,200 MW and fosters the development of over 3,600 MW of renewables and firming projects in Australia, bolstering our ability to support Australia as it transitions to renewable energy.

“Our unmatched mix of on-demand power and pumped hydro energy storage is what makes renewables work, enabling three times the clean wind and solar to come online.

“These new contracts enhance our role as an end-to-end generator and retailer, supporting the strong growth of Snowy’s retail brands, which now serve more than 1.6 million retail customers.”

Aula Energy – Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm, South Australia
The 15-year PPA for the Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm reinforces Snowy’s position as a major enabler of renewable generation.

Expected to commence supply in early 2029, will support our retail load growth in South Australia.

“South Australia is a leader in Australia’s energy transition, and this agreement with Aula Energy reflects our confidence in the quality and strategic importance of Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm and the South Australian market,” said Mr Barnes.

Aula Energy CEO Chad Hymas emphasised the importance of enduring strategic customer relationships to help lead Australia’s energy transition.

“Securing this PPA with Snowy is a major step forward for Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm and for our commitment to deliver reliable, renewable energy in South Australia. Snowy’s leadership in the energy market reflects their position as a key customer driving change as we work towards a sustainable future.”

TagEnergy – Golden Plains BESS, Victoria
The Golden Plains BESS is expected to commence operations in late 2027 with Snowy securing a 15-year virtual tolling product for 105 MW, 4 hour capacity. For Snowy, this deal delivers the benefits of accessing storage products in the National Electricity Market without the construction and capital burden.

The Golden Plains BESS will work closely with Snowy’s current hydro assets and long-duration pumped hydro storage, including the Snowy Scheme and the Snowy 2.0 expansion to dispatch energy into the grid at peak times and remove excess when demand is low.

“We’re pleased to expand our partnership with TagEnergy, having previously secured 40 per cent of the supply from Stage 1 of their nearby Golden Plains Wind Farm. This new virtual storage agreement complements our portfolio of on-demand generation and gives us the fast-start power we need to quickly soak up excess wind and solar, and stabilise the grid at times of volatility,” said Mr Barnes.

TagEnergy Managing Partner Andrew Riggs highlighted the role of the Golden Plains BESS in the grid.
“The addition of large-scale energy storage at Golden Plains is another important step forward in achieving a more secure and flexible supply of clean electricity for the people of Victoria. It’s great to continue working with Snowy who has been an important partner for Golden Plains Wind Farm.”

Snowy Hydro has proudly launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan, formalising a long-term commitment to making a meaningful contribution to reconciliation in Australia. 

The Reflect RAP, which runs from November 2025 to November 2026, outlines the foundational steps Snowy Hydro and its retail brands, Red Energy and Lumo Energy, will take to build stronger relationships, foster respect and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the Reflect RAP is a critical step forward for Snowy. 

“I’m proud to share our first Reconciliation Action Plan. This is the first step of many in our journey, and it begins with listening and understanding. 

“As one of Australia’s largest energy retailers, and a leader in the nation’s energy transition, we have the potential to make a significant contribution to improving outcomes for First Nations people. The Reflect RAP will guide our first steps toward future initiatives that create shared value and strengthen connections between Snowy’s people and customers and First Nations people.” 

Snowy Hydro First Nations Engagement Adviser and Yuin Elder Uncle Bunja Smith said it has been a privilege to play a role in Snowy’s reconciliation journey.

“Reconciliation begins with relationships, and through this RAP, we’re laying the foundation for strong connections that are grounded in trust, respect and genuine partnership. 

“Since joining Snowy Hydro, I’ve been encouraged by the genuine commitment across the business to advance reconciliation, not just in words, but in action. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Reflect RAP helps to shape a more inclusive and respectful future for Snowy.”

The Reflect RAP is focussed on:

• Building Relationships: Identifying and strengthening mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
• Fostering Respect: Increasing cultural understanding and awareness across the business through cultural learning and observing protocols.
• Creating Opportunities: Auditing current First Nations employment, improving supplier diversity, and building on existing partnerships with organisations like the Clontarf Foundation, the Stars Foundation, and CareerTrackers.

Snowy’s Reflect RAP is visually anchored by a commissioned artwork, Flowing Together: A Journey of Power, Water, and Connection, by proud Wiradjuri artist Lani Balzan. The piece tells the story of Snowy Hydro’s reconciliation journey, bringing together the elements of energy, water, connection, and community through a cultural lens.

Snowy Hydro’s Reconciliation Action Plan is available here.

Snowy Hydro and Akaysha Energy today have announced a landmark 15-year virtual toll agreement with Akaysha Energy for the 311 megawatt Elaine Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Victoria. 

This 15-year agreement is Snowy Hydro’s first battery toll agreement. With a contracted capacity of 220 megawatts, it is the largest four-hour virtual toll agreement in Australia, setting a precedent for the sector.

Snowy Hydro Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Barnes said the partnership marks a significant step in supporting Australia’s renewable energy transition.

“Snowy’s unique portfolio of on-demand power stations and electricity storage is the key to the strength of our contribution to reliable electricity supply to homes and businesses and to the introduction of more wind and solar across the grid,” Mr Barnes said.

“This deal with Akaysha adds a new short-duration storage layer to our portfolio, which will work hand-in-hand with the long-duration storage capabilities of our pumped hydro assets”. 

Akaysha Energy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Curnow, said: “This agreement represents a step change in the way large-scale storage can be delivered to the market and showcases strong market confidence in the value of BESS as a long-term energy solution. 

“By partnering with Snowy Hydro, we’re demonstrating how flexible, long-term virtual toll agreements can unlock major battery projects and deliver value in the wholesale energy market.”

The agreement will strengthen Snowy’s ability to help manage wholesale market volatility while enhancing its product offerings to mass-market, large-scale commercial and industrial, and wholesale customers. 

For Snowy, the toll structure delivers the benefits of physically building and operating a battery, without the capital, construction and operational burden, making it a highly capital-efficient solution.

The Elaine BESS is strategically located in South West Victoria, being relatively close to the large load centre of Melbourne and providing Snowy with transmission diversification benefits. The development of the Elaine BESS helps support reliable electricity supply to Victoria. 

It will help Snowy manage transmission outage risks and support the integration of more wind and solar into the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Snowy Energy and the NRMA today announced a significant three-year electricity contract to power operations across four Australian states with 100% matched renewable energy. 

Commencing on 1 January 2026, the NRMA’s businesses across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory will be powered by Snowy Energy’s TrueGreen 100 per cent matched renewable electricity product. 

Snowy Energy is the large commercial and industrial (C&I) retail brand of Snowy Hydro. It offers Australian businesses access to innovative, market-leading products and solutions that support them on their decarbonisation journey. 

Snowy Hydro’s Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Barnes said the NRMA is supporting regional renewable energy generation across Snowy’s diverse portfolio of assets, including hydro generation from the iconic Snowy Scheme, and contracted wind and solar projects.

“The partnership with NRMA highlights the growing demand from large commercial and industrial customers who are seeking renewable energy solutions.” 

The NRMA is currently using 100% renewables for its EV charging network and from January 2026 will extend this commitment to match renewables to power the entire NRMA group, including NRMA’s corporate offices, network of NRMA Parks & Resorts locations and Sixt car rental sites.

NRMA Group Chief Executive Officer Rohan Lund said: “The NRMA is committed to meeting its 2030 climate targets and this partnership with Snowy Energy allows us to take a significant step towards that goal.”

“It’s vital that we continue to power the national EV charging network we are building with renewable energy and we are proud to be leading the way with our holiday parks and resorts.”

NRMA is partnering with the Federal Government to build Australia’s national charging backbone and is expected to deliver 800 charging points across 250 fast charging sites by 2027. The organisation set a target of 100 per cent renewable energy across the group by 2027 – now expected to be achieved one year early in 2026.