Approaching the end of 2024, it is worth reflecting on what has been a productive and challenging year for both the energy sector and Essential Energy and to acknowledge the hard work of our teams and your continued support.

Reforms to enable increased use of distribution networks to support a faster and fairer energy transition for all Essential Energy customers gained further attention in the public domain since our last newsletter. The topic was part of an industry panel in Sydney last month, where I explained how our network can provide capacity for renewable generation connections. While the discussion remains positive, there is still progress to be made, and we remain committed to advocating for the best outcomes for our customers.

Our push to get more locally-generated and stored energy across the Essential Energy footprint became more important as the storm season ramped up in October. The severe storms which impacted the transmission line supplying the Broken Hill region highlighted the need for more energy resilient solutions in remote parts of our State. The Essential Energy response, which prioritised the needs of approximately 12,000 customers over 15 days, was testament to our customer commitment, and was recognised by a range of stakeholders both during and since the event.

Essential Energy was named one of the Australian Financial Review BOSS Most Innovative Companies for 2024 and was awarded the special distinction of the Future Ready Award, recognising the Innovation team’s work to facilitate the uptake of electric vehicles. Essential Energy’s Health and Wellbeing Manager, Cathy Connors, was named Psychosocial Risk Management Professional of the Year for her promotion of mental health resilience. The Customer team was a finalist in the Australian Service Excellence Awards Government/Not For Profit category, and Essential Energy’s focus on developing our future workforce won the Australian Apprenticeships Employer award at the Australian Training Awards.

Supporting our communities has also been a focus, with the Stakeholder Engagement team providing funding to eight Landcare groups to help plant vegetation that connects wildlife corridors and encourages biodiversity. In November, Essential Energy trucks and crews from the Goulburn depot joined the Convoy for Kids to help celebrate its 25th anniversary. We have been a part of the event since its inception in 1999, which sees all funds raised distributed within the community to support the families of children with special needs.

Before I conclude, I would like to provide an update on the Enterprise Agreement negotiations. We have been in bargaining since May 2024 and have been impacted by prolonged protected industrial action. Thankfully, we have reached an in-principle agreement on the key outstanding matters and the ETU and MEU have suspended all protected industrial action.

As this will be the last newsletter for the year, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy festive season, and I look forward to continuing to work with you throughout 2025.

In this edition

Making the Far West more energy resilient
Essential Energy named one of Financial Review BOSS Most Innovative Companies
Cathy Connors named Psychosocial Risk Management Professional of the Year
Customer Service accolade for Essential Energy at Australian Service Excellence Awards
Essential Energy apprenticeship program wins at Australian Training Awards
Grassroots run deeper with Landcare funding
Essential Energy powers up for Goulburn Convoy for Kids