As part of our ‘Deep and Narrow’ engagement, we recently held a forum with special interest group stakeholders to ‘pressure test’ a set of future scenarios and assumptions for the energy network.

During the session, participants considered models based on the period taken to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Three assumptions were explored including electric vehicle uptake and charging profiles, battery uptake and charging/discharging profiles, and the electrification of gas.

Stakeholders explored and debated the differences across scenarios relating to scenario assumptions and uncertainties, identified nuances by network, and aligned on the most likely future energy scenarios. These discussions will help shape future network energy demand and consumption, which will inform our business plans for the 2026-31 period.

What we heard

Throughout discussions with stakeholders, four key areas of concern consistently emerged:

• Affordability – discussed in the context of upfront investment for consumers, required for the adoption of new technologies.
• Functionality – the degree to which consumers feel new technologies have the potential to replace traditional infrastructure reliably.
• Demand management – the inevitability of heightened peaks placing more pressure on the grid and potential impacts on power quality.
• Government intervention – the need for government endorsement to incentivise stakeholders / consumers who currently have no reason to transition.

Overall, affordability and government intervention were consistently raised as key areas for improvement. These were thought to go hand in hand, with a desire for government intervention to reduce the upfront investment associated with adopting new energy efficient technologies.