networks Archives - Renew Economy

Commentary

Electricity network tariffs are a dog’s breakfast – where to now for distributors?
With less need for networks to perform their traditional role, and the state of tariffs “a big mess,” what does the future look like for Australia’s regulated distribution monopolies?
David Leitch

Jul 27, 2026

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Renewables

Firefighter group hits back at “wild claims” and “fear mongering” over transmission lines and fire risk
“Wild claims” that fire fighters will not attend fires on properties hosting new transmission lines have been called out as “disingenuous” and “potential misinformation.”
Sophie Vorrath

Jul 20, 2026

9
Policy & Planning

“Making the invisible visible:” New rules to hold networks to account for managing consumer energy assets
New rules will bring distribution network planning and reporting up to speed with the consumer energy revolution, and aim to create a fairer and cheaper market.
Sophie Vorrath

Jul 16, 2026

3
Commentary

Transmission superhighways will revolutionise energy, but distribution network “roads” will drive the transition
We are so focused on building new transmission superhighways that we’re ignoring the smaller stuff – the existing roads of tried and tested distribution networks.
Kelly Wood

Mar 31, 2026

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SwitchedOn Australia

SwitchedOn podcast: How households are reshaping the role of electricity networks
As households generate, store and manage their own power, electricity networks are being forced to rethink their role in a rapidly changing energy system.
Anne Delaney

Mar 24, 2026

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Solar

Higher fixed network tariffs could erase the benefits of the Cheaper Home Batteries rebate
New analysis finds that raising fixed network charges could snatch back the savings promised to solar households through the federal battery rebate.
Sophie Vorrath

Feb 25, 2026

17
Commentary

Transgrid’s latest cost blowout raises a key question: What was the point of privatising energy networks?
If the shareholders in network monopolies aren’t prepared to wear the core and highly obvious risks associated with their business, why did we privatise these things in the first place?
Tristan Edis

Feb 23, 2026

11
Policy & Planning

Could the AEMC be “kinda right” about fixed network costs? Late submission lobs curveball into debate
A last-minute submission gives an unexpected take on debate over a proposal to raise fixed electricity network costs, asking ‘what if the AEMC is… kinda right?'”
Sophie Vorrath

Feb 19, 2026

19
Policy & Planning

Local networks can save billions, slash gas use and create “breathing room” in dash to replace coal
Local networks say they can unlock more than $4bn in value by connecting big solar, wind and batteries, integrating consumer energy resources and EV charging.
Sophie Vorrath

Nov 17, 2025

7
Commentary

Poles and wires: If networks want to own batteries and control EVs, a little public disclosure would help
The owners of our poles and wires are keen to own batteries and control EVs. If they agree to more disclosure, they might generate more trust.
David Leitch

Mar 24, 2025

12
Policy & Planning

Battery storage and green hydrogen could be key to cutting transmission bottlenecks
Emerging technologies like energy storage, green hydrogen and digitisation platforms may be the key to dodging a global network infrastructure supply crunch and avoiding delays in the energy transition.
Michael Mazengarb

Feb 20, 2024

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Utilities

Supernormal profits reveal urgent need for real – not fake – regulation of electricity networks
Amid news of soaring electricity bills, it’s time to act on the clear evidence that regulated networks are monopoly price gouging.
Simon Orme

Oct 13, 2022

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