In MyTown Energy we refer to everything not connected to one of these as "Offgrid":

• The National Electricity Market (NEM) (this is the biggest)

• the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) (this is the second biggest)

• The systems that are run by Horizon Power in WA

• The systems run by NT Power and Water.

Offgrid systems are all microgrids. Each system includes the generators, poles, wires, and operations required to generate, distribute, and supply electricity to the electricity customers.

Sometimes an offgrid system is a small stand alone system with just one customer, sometimes it serves a whole community. Ownership arrangements vary widely. State governments can be involved, many systems are in first nations communities and some are owned privately. The Energy Made Easy website suggests you contact your local council to understand more about your energy system and options.

If you are interested in developing community energy options in an offgrid system, the first step is to understand who owns the system and the rules it operates under.