Ausgrid’s Community Power Network trial requests a waiver to implement an ambitious project sharing the ‘benefits’ of increased local solar generation with the local community.
We encourage new ideas which support improved network utilisation and efficiency, maintain effective competition, and improve equity in the energy transition. But it’s critical that trials genuinely test new ideas and can determine how to deliver the fairest and most efficient outcomes for all consumers.
That’s why we supported a temporary pause in the waiver application process in our response to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Ausgrid Community Power Network Trial Waiver Issues Paper.
While we commend Ausgrid’s ambition, we raised several important concerns, including:
- A lack of clearly demonstrated consumer benefit in the trial’s current structure.
- The cost and equity impacts on people not part of the trial.
- The lack of depth and breadth of stakeholder engagement, and lack of response to concerns raised.
- Potential regulatory implications.
What’s next?
A pause gives Ausgrid time to work more closely with stakeholders and co-design a more transparent and equitable framework for trial implementation and benefit sharing. We will continue to work with Ausgrid and other stakeholders on this and other proposals to trial new initiatives and ensure they promote the interests of all NSW households.
