10 October 2024
Essential Energy’s annual Disclosure Statement to The Energy Charter is backing a greater community voice to drive energy resilience and support decarbonisation across communities in regional NSW.
The Disclosure Statement outlines Essential Energy’s progress on key principles such as working with customers, improving energy affordability, providing safe and reliable energy, and supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Essential Energy’s Head of Customer Mike Cole says listening and responding to customers enables more informed investment decisions on projects that bolster community resilience. This includes establishing a Lived Experience Panel assisting customers with preparation and recovery during extended power outages, and a national campaign to encourage Australians to complete blackout plans.
Mike says a call-out for customer and community representatives on The Energy Charter initiatives is underway, with more information on The Energy Charter’s Community Energy Resilience page.
“We’re putting our customers and the community at the centre of our business and the energy system to ensure we understand our customers’ evolving needs as the energy transition accelerates,” Mike says.
“Our People’s Panel and Customer Advocacy Group include representatives of consumer groups, low-income households, vulnerable customers, senior citizens, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with disabilities, residential, small business customers, industrial and commercial customers, primary producers, rural and remote customers and local government.”
An Essential Energy employee talking with a member of the community.
Essential Energy Chief Executive Officer, John Cleland has been closely involved with The Energy Charter since its pivotal development phase six years ago. He says Essential Energy’s ongoing work with industry and government will develop ways to increase the use of electric vehicles, rooftop solar and battery storage, while trialling agreements to help customers maximise their solar exports.
Essential Energy also facilitates an unprecedented volume of renewable generation and storage connections on its network.
“These initiatives, coupled with strategically placed utility-scale battery storage, stand-alone power systems and microgrids, are positioning Essential Energy to deliver modern, reliable, low-cost energy solutions for our customers and progress critical drivers towards achieving Net Zero by 2050 targets,” John says.
“Essential Energy’s commitment to enhancing energy resilience is evident in the progress made over the past year. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering strong partnerships, we are ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle the challenges of the evolving energy landscape.”
Mike Cole says Essential Energy’s connection to The Energy Charter is pivotal in driving meaningful change across the industry while promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration on customer initiatives.
“The Energy Charter is the only forum that covers the entire national energy supply chain and focuses on improving outcomes for our customers.
“In the six years since its inception, the Charter has strengthened its influence through increased industry collaboration, support from regulators and partnerships with consumer advocacy bodies, educational institutions and renewable energy and sustainability organisations,” Mike explains.