A new report from Power and Water has highlighted what our customers want us to consider as we develop our electricity delivery plan for the future.

Community-based solar energy and batteries, the transition to electric vehicles and embracing new technology in the way power networks are managed were just some of the themes discussed at two ‘People’s Panels’ in November last year.

Forty-six Territorians who represent the broad scale of our customer base were randomly selected to be part of the two-day workshops in Darwin and Alice Springs.

“The People’s Panel concept is based on the premise that everyday people, when provided with the time and information, will reach sensible decisions on behalf of the wider community,” Power and Water’s Executive General Manager Customer, Strategy and Regulations, David Tovey said.

“Participants get the chance to consider issues and have in-depth discussions on what’s important to them, directly to us.”

Directly engaging with and listening to our customers is an important part of how we develop our plans to invest in key areas of our electricity network between 2024 – 2029. We submit these proposed plans to the Australian Energy Regulator in January 2023.

The AER ensures energy consumers receive secure, reliable and affordable energy by regulating the electricity networks across most of the country, including setting the revenue thresholds for service providers like Power and Water.

“Participants came up with a wide range of ideas they want Power and Water to consider when putting together our proposed plans and forward planning,” said Mr Tovey.

“There was plenty of enthusiasm around what the future could hold as we transition to renewable energy sources.

“Understanding our customers’ needs and priorities, including changes in the way they use and consume energy, is an important part of our planning process.”

The People’s Panels will be reconvened in the coming months to discuss how their ideas and suggestions will inform our future planning, including our regulatory proposal to the AER. They will hear from a range of experts and Power and Water specialists explaining how some of the unique challenges of our network can be overcome with planning and innovation.

Power and Water is focused on making a difference to the lives of Territorians and keeping our community at the centre of what we do.

People’s Panel Report - Summary Report 2021

Ends