The search is on for the Jetsons 2.0... the next generation smart home family to test energy savings technology and home power generators as part of an experiment with new smart grid applications.

The search begins this month and will include scouring local schools, neighbourhoods and online for a new family to live rent-free in the experimental home in Newington, Sydney, for 12 months.

The first smart home family Clare Joyce, Michael Adams and their daughter Ava, was dubbed the Jetsons and will leave the Smart Home this week after an 18 month trial of energy efficient living.

Ausgrid energy efficiency expert Paul Myors said an analysis of energy use and generation at the smart home showed it was producing enough electricity to power two average households.

“The Smart Home in essence has become a fully functioning power station,” Mr Myors said.

“The fuel cell used gas and waste heat to produce most of the on-site power, but with 65 per cent less greenhouse gas impact than power sourced from the grid.

“Combined with the solar pergola and rooftop solar system they produced an average 32 kilowatt hours per day – much more than the family was typically consuming inside the home.

“However, there were a number high use times, or peak times, when the home still relied on the grid for power.”

Applications close 29 February 2012. For more information visit www.ausgrid.com.au