The town of Derwent Bridge in Tasmania’s Central Highlands will be part of an innovative project to evaluate the suitability of a microgrid energy system.

TasNetworks has been granted $1,601,143 to undertake the project under Round Two of the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund.

Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Claire Chandler, said the funding program was part of the Morrison Coalition Government’s commitment to deliver reliable energy solutions to rural and regional communities.

The Bridgewater community will benefit from improved access to Centrelink and Medicare services, with the opening of the new-look Services Australia Bridgewater Service Centre this week.

Minister for Government Services the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the service centre at Green Point Road is the first in Tasmania to offer upgraded self-service facilities and digital support.