Driving network innovation to support customers through the transition
Transforming our shared energy grid to meet our net zero obligations and support a decarbonised economy is one our greatest shared challenges. Innovation will be needed to make the most cost-effective changes, with greatest impact on emissions.
We are focused on solutions that:
- enhance outcomes for customers and networks by developing Customer Energy Resource (CER) policy and framework solutions
- innovate and accelerate the build and use of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure
- maximise the benefits and opportunities that come with renewable energy storage solutions, like battery energy storage systems (BESS) and community batteries, and
- improve affordability.
Enhancing positive CER outcomes
Distribution networks have a critical role to play and will increasingly facilitate flexible demand measures from smart customer energy resources.
The regulatory framework must apply to any party engaged in selling energy, or energy-related products, so that customers are protected regardless of whom they’re dealing with.
Innovation in EV infrastructure investment
Transportation currently accounts for a significant percentage of an average Australian household’s greenhouse gas emissions. So, when we talk about reducing emissions, we must talk about electric vehicles (EVs).
The grid of the future must be able to support their widespread adoption. This means finding appropriate ways for EVs to be charged or for the energy they carry to be put back into the grid. With the right policy settings, we can avoid the need for more expensive upgrades of electricity infrastructure and deliver major savings for customers on household energy bills, while supporting grid security and reliability.
Maximising storage and community battery opportunities
Neighbourhood or community batteries provide an energy storage solution while also absorbing excess solar power generated from rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels and allowing it to be used to charge EVs or sent back into the power grid.
Installing community batteries means everyone can have access to renewable energy even if they live in an apartment building or a rental property without solar panels or EV chargers. As network service providers work at pace to ensure our net zero targets are met, community batteries are providing a real and tangible way for all Australians to access to renewable energy and its benefits.