The Magnetic Island Solar Suburb initiative provides an outstanding opportunity to develop a blueprint for future sustainable energy use across Queensland. Part of the Australian Government’s $94 million Solar Cities Program, the Magnetic Island initiative will provide comprehensive statistical and behavioural information that will be used to inform future energy and climate change policy in Australia.

Understanding what motivates people to reduce their electricity usage, and learning more about implementing widespread solar power use, are vital steps for Ergon Energy in contributing to a more sustainable future for our communities and our organisation.
 
We are using a leading-edge social research and engagement technique to maximise the learning opportunities from the Magnetic Island Solar Suburb project.
 
The technique – community-based social marketing - includes traditional methods such as surveys, but also places high value on face-to-face research.

All of our research is aimed at understanding, in detail, the specific “barriers and benefits” that motivate or deter people from saving electricity. 

We acknowledge that for most people, electricity may not be the most interesting commodity, so we need to work hard to get people thinking proactively about saving electricity.

To meet this challenge, Ergon Energy will:

• provide incentives to reduce electricity usage, such as giving participants free energy-saving devices;
• encourage participants to make personal and public pledges to save electricity; and
• maintain regular communication to heighten awareness of energy efficient living.

We will also focus on developing a highly visible project presence on Magnetic Island through initiatives such as developing the Smart Lifestyle Centre at Horseshoe Bay, placing solar PV systems on visible public buildings, and giving people the option to publicly demonstrate their participation in the project.