Ausgrid wins 2025 Energy Networks Consumer Engagement Award
Ausgrid has been awarded the Energy Networks Consumer Engagement Award for 2025.
Presented by Energy Networks Australia (ENA), in collaboration with Energy Consumers Australia, the award recognises excellence in consumer engagement by a network business.
Ausgrid’s winning submission highlighted its partnership with Indigenous Energy Australia and the Wanaruah/Wonnarua people to co-design a Community Energy Strategy (CES).
Endorsed by local Aboriginal organisations, the CES provides a framework for respectful, community-led energy development in the Upper Hunter, a region central to New South Wales’ energy transition.
The strategy is already influencing renewable energy planning, delivering social, cultural and environmental benefits, and setting a benchmark for First Nations engagement across Australia’s energy sector.
ENA Chief Executive Dominique van den Berg said Ausgrid’s approach exemplified best practice in engagement by embedding community voices into long-term decision-making.
“Ausgrid’s work with the Wanaruah/Wonnarua people shows what can be achieved when networks partner in a way that is genuine, respectful and enduring,” she said.
“The Community Energy Strategy reflects the aspirations of the Traditional Custodians while providing a roadmap to ensure the energy transition delivers benefits across generations.”
Energy Consumers Australia CEO Dr Brendan French said: “Empowering First Nations communities to play an essential role in the planning and implementation of renewable energy projects on their lands is vital to a successful energy transition.”
“The Community Energy Strategy shows exactly how to achieve this through respectful and inclusive partnership and collaboration.
“We congratulate Ausgrid for their excellent work with the Wanaruah/Wonnarua people and hope this serves as an engagement model for the entire energy sector to follow in the future.”
The winners were announced at the 2025 Energy Networks Australia Annual Dinner along with the Industry Innovation Award, the Individual Contribution Award and the Women in Networks Award.
ENA also thanks 2025 Presenting Partner for the Consumer Engagement Award, Baringa.
