Energy Networks Australia congratulates winners of the 2025 Energy Networks Awards (ENA), recognising outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership and community outcomes across the sector.

Presented at the annual Energy Networks Dinner in Melbourne, the awards showcase excellence across four key areas: consumer engagement, industry innovation, women in networks, and individual contribution.

Energy Networks Australia Chief Executive Dominique van den Berg congratulated this year’s winners, saying: “Our awards celebrate the people and projects that are shaping the future of Australia’s energy networks; these winners exemplify the commitment and talent driving our sector forward.”

Women in Networks Award winner: Carla Basden, Western Power
Carla Basden was honoured for her leadership in driving customer decarbonisation and renewable network expansion at Western Power.

Industry Innovation Award winner: Essential Energy, V2G – The journey has begun. 
Essential Energy CSIRO, Sigenergy and AUSEV® to launch Australia’s first ready-to-use vehicle-to-grid (V2G) solution, giving households a new way to get value from their EV while helping create a smarter, more reliable and sustainable energy system.

Consumer Engagement Award winner: Ausgrid
Ausgrid’s ‘Empowering and energising community: The Wanaruah/Wonnarua Community Energy Strategy’ was recognised for its respectful, community-led approach to energy development.

Individual Contribution Award winner: Hadi Lomei, Essential Energy
Hadi Lomei, an electrical engineer specialising in power system modelling and renewable integration, was celebrated for his significant technical and educational contributions. 

This year also marked the first presentation of the Chair’s Recognition Award, acknowledging exceptional achievement by the National Energy Public Key Infrastructure (NEPKI) Team.

NEPKI is the digital trust framework that will allow millions of consumer energy resources from rooftop solar, batteries and electric vehicles, to connect to our networks securely and seamlessly.

ENA Chair John Cleland presented this award to the NEPKI team, recognising their foresight and dedication of the NEPKI Team in building this foundation for Australia’s energy future.

“These awards are a chance to pause and acknowledge the exceptional talent in our networks,” Ms van den Berg said. “Congratulations to the award winners, finalists and nominees for their leadership and innovation.”

ENA acknowledges Presenting Partners for this year’s Energy Networks Awards: Baringa, CutlerMerz and The Wellbeing Outfit.

Read more about this year’s finalists.

Media contact: Claire Ginn cginn@energynetworks.com.au 0409246966