Around the country, ageing local government infrastructure requires urgent upgrades. At the same time, councils’ balance sheets have never been under more pressure. As councils transition to renewable energy and their fleets increasingly include electric vehicles, the need for sustainable, efficient, cost-effective ways to upgrade their electrical backbone is critical.
Electrical industry leader NHP Electrical Engineering Products is working with councils and Government across Australia as they look for new EV charging, energy monitoring and emergency lighting infrastructure solutions, helping local governments meet their sustainability goals and achieve operational efficiencies.
EV charging infrastructure: compliance and beyond
The National Construction Code (NCC) has set stringent requirements for EV charging infrastructure in all new developments, from Class 2 buildings upwards. NHP expert Malcolm Noyle explains how the company’s EV distribution board (EVDB) helps councils comply with these standards.
“The NCC is applicable only to new builds, but our EVDB is versatile enough to be used in both new and existing sites,” says Noyle.
This flexibility allows councils to modernise existing electrical backbones, so they are ready for EV charging, minimising the need for extensive upgrades.
NHP offers a range of Delta EV chargers, from the basic AC 7.4-kilowatt units, to our DC 100-350kW chargers, through to an advanced 500-kilowatt charger coming in 2025. This range caters to different use cases, from single-phase AC chargers for commercial and residential sites to DC fast chargers for commercial depots.
“We provide end-to-end solutions, from site electrical audits, equipment supply, through to installation via strategic partners, ensuring councils have a seamless transition to EV-ready infrastructure,” Noyle adds.
NHP’s EnergySync™ load management system is a key part of making sure an existing building is ready for EV charging systems. EnergySync™ stops electrical overloads, causing nuisance tripping, during peak hours by managing the electrical loads in real time. This prevents disruptions and optimises energy use, which leads to significant cost savings.
Energy monitoring: data-driven efficiency
Indeed, energy management is a cornerstone of NHP’s offerings, with the EnergySync™ system playing a pivotal role.
Energy management specialist Fekra Gasser elaborates on how this system contributes to energy efficiency and cost savings.
“The EnergySync™ system monitors the entire site’s energy usage, making real-time adjustments to ensure optimal performance,” says Gasser.
This includes managing EV chargers and other loads like lighting and air conditioning, ensuring that energy is used efficiently without overloading the grid.
The Smart eBox is another vital tool in NHP’s energy management portfolio. It collates energy data from various sources and presents it on a user-friendly dashboard.
“This allows sustainability managers to make informed decisions, such as turning off non-essential loads during peak hours,” Gasser explains. The system also generates reports that can be emailed to relevant personnel, facilitating continuous monitoring and energy use optimisation.
NHP’s energy management solutions have been successfully implemented in several council projects. In one example, installing energy meters and the Smart eBox in a council building led to reductions in energy costs and improved power quality.
“Monitoring energy use is the first step towards efficiency,” Gasser emphasises. “With the right data, councils can make informed decisions that lead to substantial savings and compliance with energy regulations.”
Emergency lighting: safety and reliability
Emergency lighting is a critical aspect of public safety, and NHP’s Stanilite NexusRF system is revolutionising how councils manage this essential service.
Kieran McLeod, an expert in emergency lighting, highlights the system’s automated testing capabilities.
“Traditionally, emergency lighting required manual testing every six months, which is labour-intensive and costly,” says McLeod. “The NexusRF system automates this process, reducing labour costs and ensuring any faults are detected and rectified immediately.”
The system’s remote monitoring capabilities further enhance its efficiency. “For remote locations, including islands and other jurisdictions covering vast areas, the system can be monitored and tested remotely, eliminating the need for costly site visits,” McLeod explains.
This saves time and money and ensures the emergency lighting system is always reliable and up-to-date.
The NexusRF system also helps lowers the cost to maintain an existing emergency system.
“We’ve seen an 80 per cent reduction in infrastructure costs in some installations,” McLeod notes.
This translates to lower installation and maintenance costs, making the system a cost-effective solution for councils.
Aligned with local government goals
From EV charging infrastructure that complies with NCC standards to energy monitoring systems that optimise energy usage and emergency lighting solutions that ensure safety and reliability, NHP’s comprehensive ecosystem of solutions is transforming local government infrastructure, making it more sustainable, efficient and cost-effective.
“Our systems not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainability,” says Noyle.
As local governments continue to face financial and regulatory challenges, NHP’s innovative solutions will continue to offer a pathway to a more sustainable and efficient future.
