A recent report by Energy Networks Australia, titled The Time is Now, highlights significant opportunities for transforming the local electricity grid to provide Australians with cleaner and more affordable energy.
The report, developed in collaboration with L.E.K. Consulting, emphasises the potential of the distribution grid to deliver substantial benefits if utilised more effectively.
Dom van den Berg, CEO of Energy Networks Australia, stressed the importance of rethinking the traditional role of distribution networks, which have historically been seen as mere “poles and wires”.
According to van den Berg, optimising the distribution grid could lead to customer savings of approximately $160 per year and help avoid $7 billion in system costs by 2030.
Additionally, these changes could support Australia in reaching its target of 82 per cent renewable energy by the same year.
The report outlines several actionable recommendations to enhance the grid’s efficiency and customer benefits:
- Local Energy Hubs: By linking locally-generated solar power with unused grid capacity, communities can benefit from ‘local energy hubs.’
- Solar Incentives: Encouraging large commercial properties to install solar panels and share the energy with local communities can amplify solar opportunities.
- Battery Integration: Attaching large batteries to existing grid infrastructure can help local customers maximise the benefits of solar energy.
- EV Charger Expansion: Installing and maintaining more kerbside electric vehicle chargers can ensure equitable access and reduce range anxiety among consumers.
- Grid Synchronisation: Better coordination of energy resources can optimise the use of existing infrastructure and enhance customer benefits.
Jeff Forrest, a partner at L.E.K. Consulting, noted that the distribution networks hold untapped potential for rapid decarbonisation of the electricity sector.
The report argues that a combination of these strategies could yield even greater outcomes for customers and the environment.
Energy Networks Australia calls for immediate policy decisions and regulatory adjustments to implement these recommendations, aiming to support customer choices and improve local grid services.
The report underscores the urgency of acting now, as the window of opportunity for these changes is closing.
