SwitchedOn podcast: How households are reshaping the role of electricity networks

As rooftop solar, home batteries and electric vehicles transform how energy is generated and used, Australia’s electricity networks are being forced to adapt.

At last week’s Energy Networks conference in Adelaide, consumer energy resources were top of mind for many network leaders, even though networks in Australia are constrained by rules designed for a one-way grid and prevent them from dealing with consumers.

Some networks argue they need a bigger role to manage consumer resources and avoid costly infrastructure overbuilds and keep prices down. Critics warn that expanding network powers will entrench their market dominance and stifle innovation.

New research from EA Technology, which advises networks around the world, suggests that networks need a better understanding of how, when and why consumers use electricity.

Mark Sprawson, the chief commercial officer at EA Technology, discusses the company’s recent survey of more than 8,000 consumers across Australia, the UK and New Zealand.