5 Energy
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What you will read in this chapter
• Reform 5.1: Putting customers first - Educating households and businesses to reduce their energy bills by harnessing technologies such as smart meters, rooftop solar, batteries and zero-emission vehicles, and adopting energy efficiency strategies.
• Reform 5.2: A smart, affordable, reliable grid - Shaping the future electricity grid so it enables customers to unlock bill savings though smart meters with time-of-use tariffs, encourages electric vehicle uptake and supports cost-effective, timely electricity delivery.
• Reform 5.3: Powering a cheaper, cleaner future - Australia needs national leadership to ensure a secure future by positioning this country for the inevitable low-emission energy transition. Global trends and an evolving domestic market will force a shift away from fossil fuel-based energy exports and domestic energy towards low-emission energy sources.
| Key messages |
| • Australia has a big opportunity to lead the global energy transformation. • The energy sector is fundamentally changing - from how, where and when energy is generated and how it is transported and stored, to who participates in the market and how users pay for it. • Getting energy transformation right is critical to Australia's future. Energy, particularly electricity, is fundamental to the Australian way of life and underpins the economy. • Energy transformation is central to discussions and programs of work across all levels of government, the energy market bodies, energy regulators and industry bodies. Infrastructure Australia has prioritised reforms that complement and build on existing work programs rather than duplicating or creating uncertainty. • The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need to focus on customers, who are driving trends in the electricity sector. Infrastructure Australia has taken a user-centric approach to developing reforms. • To support the future competitiveness of Australian businesses and Australians' quality of life, there must be an affordable, clean and customer-centric energy system. • Giving customers the knowledge and tools to unlock bill savings will drive affordability and equality. It will also ensure vulnerable customers are no worse off and receive tailored support to reduce their electricity bills. • The future electricity grid must be smart, affordable, and reliable. It must enable the Australian way of life and support customers who take up new technologies such as solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles. • With its abundant natural energy resources, Australia is well placed to enjoy the benefits of low-cost, low-emission energy sources. • National leadership is needed to ensure Australia remains a supplier of choice for energy commodities by starting to pivot from the current reliance on fossil fuel exports to a wider range of energy sources, particularly those with low emissions profiles, such as green hydrogen. |
