Entries for Energy Networks Australia’s 2026 Excellence in Energy Awards have now closed. Judges will now start assessing the projects, teams and people driving Australia’s energy transition.

The awards recognise ENA members and their partners for work that improves outcomes for customers, advances the transition and builds a more inclusive industry. Entries are scored against weighted criteria with a strong focus on real-world, measurable impact.

Thank you to all our members and their affiliates who submitted an entry this year. The depth of talent in the Australian energy sector is on full display and the time taken to complete your entries is to be commended.

This year’s categories

Project and team awards:

• Excellence in Network Innovation, sponsored by CutlerMerz
• Excellence in Consumer Engagement or Communications
• Outstanding People and Culture Initiative (new)

Individual awards:

• Female Trailblazer of the Year
• Outstanding Individual Contribution
• The “One to Watch” (new), sponsored by Tyree, which recognises an early-career professional and will be decided by peer vote

Meet the judges

Judging panels bring together leaders from market bodies, regulators, research, consumer advocacy and industry:

• Network Innovation: Andrew Lewis (AEMC), Bill Lilley (RACE2030), Carl Christiansen (ARENA), Dominic Adams (ENA), Gavin Dufty (St Vincent de Paul), Tim Edwards (CutlerMerz), Violette Mouchaileh (AEMO)
• Consumer Engagement or Communications: Brendan French (Energy Consumers Australia), Chris O’Keefe (Emerald House Communications), Dom van den Berg (ENA), Guy Chalkley (former ENA Board member), Lynne Gallagher (AER), Sara Bice (ANU)
• People and Culture Initiative: Jono Nicholas (Wellbeing Outfit), Julie Bissinella (Champions of Change), Kirsten Hodgson (ENA), Sam Barbaro (former ENA Board member)
• Female Trailblazer: Anna Collyer (AEMC), Dani Alexander (UNSW), Dom van den Berg (ENA), Michael Gatt (AEMO), Stephanie Unwin (Arc Infrastructure)
• Outstanding Individual Contribution: Andrew Bills (SA Power Networks), Craig de Laine (AGIG), David Smales (AusNet Services), Dom van den Berg (ENA), Guy Chalkley and Sam Barbaro (former ENA Board members), Paul Simshauser (Iberdrola)

Key dates

• Wednesday 11 November: Finalists announced and voting opens for the “One to Watch”
• Thursday 3 December, 6pm–11pm: Awards ceremony, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney

Winners will be announced at the December ceremony. Member tickets can be booked via the awards website.

For questions, contact awards@energynetworks.com.au.