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Walking the talk: Jessica’s home electrification story

Switching to a fully electric home helps Jessica live her values and gives her family greater comfort, savings and control. Here’s how she did it.
5 min read
Last updated 30 Sep, 2025

AGL Electrify Now Co-Founder and Product Manager Jessica Poole has always wanted to live a sustainable lifestyle.

“I’m an advocate for electrification. Even before joining AGL, I used to work as an engineer, designing and installing commercial solar systems,” she shares. 

Jessica’s role as a product manager at AGL is grounded in her passion for renewable energy and helping households transition to a low-carbon future. Day-to-day, her work helps customers find electrification upgrades that fit their situation.

So when Jessica and her husband were searching for a new home for their family of four, buying all-electric was her chance to walk the talk. 

Tapping into solar potential

When Jessica and her family came across the new build in the north west of Sydney in 2024, she saw it as a sign.

“The house was already electric, fitted with electric appliances, including a cooktop and heat pump,” she says.

Although the house didn't have solar, an electric vehicle (EV) charger or ceiling fans, Jessica saw how sustainability upgrades could boost her home’s future value.

After previously living in a strata complex where she wasn’t able to install solar, this was going to be Jessica’s first area of focus. 

“Even before we put in an offer, I was looking at the roof and asking: how much solar can I put on this?”

Within a month of moving in, the family installed a solar system and ceiling fans to maximise the benefits of their electrified home.

“Even before we put in an offer, I was looking at the roof and asking: how much solar can I put on this?”

Taking the pressure off with EV subscriptions

The Poole’s new home was further from work and school than before, which meant the family needed a second car. An EV was a natural choice.

“I wanted to go electric. But with so many new technologies constantly coming into the market, I didn’t want to lock myself into anything too soon,” Jessica explains. 

“I love energy tech. I know that vehicle-to-grid is coming and many of the current models aren’t built for it.”

Vehicle-to-grid is an emerging technology that could lets electric cars send unused energy from their batteries back to the power grid when needed. It could helps balance supply and demand, and in the future, it may even allow EV drivers to earn money by sharing stored power. It would work a bit like a mobile battery. 

Wanting both flexibility and the chance to test different EV models, she took up an EV subscription through AGL. The arrangement gives families like hers the freedom to return, swap or extend vehicles without a long-term commitment or purchase.

Charging smarter, not harder

Jessica’s family has tried a couple of EV models and made a few practical changes along the way. At first, they charged the car using a standard power point at home or at her husband’s office. But it wasn’t long before they installed a dedicated EV charger to make things easier.

“Our EV charger sits with the solar system, so you can put it on solar charging mode to only charge the car when there's extra solar,” she shares.

It's a simple way to reduce both costs and emissions. And it works perfectly for how they use their car.

“We just use it for school drop-offs and pick-ups and little run arounds on the weekend – we don't use that many kilometres.”

Everyday upgrades for lasting savings

While solar can bring long-term savings, the upfront costs are often a barrier. To make EVs more affordable, organisations like the Clean Energy Finance Corporation are backing discounted green finance options. Jessica got a green finance loan to make the switch more manageable and enjoy the benefits sooner.

To stretch her savings, Jessica uses her solar energy in a way that suits her lifestyle as a busy parent. That includes using high-energy appliances like the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and heat pump system during the day when the system is generating power. 

These cumulative savings, along with charging her EV only using solar power, have made a noticeable difference. In the last 12 months, Jessica’s family has spent only $337 on electricity usage by buying $713 from the grid and selling $376 – that’s just $28 per month.

Jessica estimates that the family has saved hundreds off their annual energy bills. “The savings have really impacted our household budget. Not having a big electricity bill is one less burden.”

Batteries and a bigger vision

Now Jessica is considering the next step: a home battery to store unused solar power and further reduce her energy bills. She plans to take advantage of the Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which offers up to 30% off the upfront cost.

“The electricity grid is transitioning towards more  renewable energy. If it is the right fit for your home, consider installing solar panels and batteries as well.”

Beyond her own home, Jessica remains focused on helping others do what she’s done – make cleaner, smarter choices that work for today and tomorrow.

Jessica's tips for electrification

  • You don't have to transition all at once - make a plan and do one thing at a time
  • Access all the rebates you can to help make the switch to an electric home more affordable, including the Federal solar battery discount, and Electric vehicle incentives.
  • Before investing in an EV, do your research. AGL's EV subscription is a good way to test what vehicle will work for your circumstance.
  • When buying or renovating a house, consider how you can future proof your home - an all electric and well insulated home can be cheaper to run and can save you considerably in the long term. 

Looking to switch to an all electric home?

Use our online tool, Electrify Now, to get your personalised estimates.

Electrify Now

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