Power and Water has released a new report highlighting what customers want, as the company develops an 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 2021.
46 Territorians who represent the broad scale of Power and Water’s customer base were randomly selected to be part of the two-day workshops in Darwin and Alice Springs.
Power and Water’s Executive General Manager of Customer, Strategy and Regulations, David Tovey, said, “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.
“Participants get the chance to consider issues and have in-depth discussions on what’s important to them, directly to us.”
Power and Watersaid that they plan to directly engage and listen to their customers as part of how they develop their future investment plans, in key areas of their electricity network between 2024 – 2029.
The company will submit these proposed plans to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) 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,” Mr Tovey said.
“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 the company’s future planning, including their regulatory proposal to the AER. The panel will hear from a range of experts and Power and Water specialists explaining how some of the unique challenges of their network can be overcome with planning and innovation.
Power and Water said they are focused on making a difference in the lives of Territorians and keeping their community at the centre of what they do.
