Are Households the Key to Energy Transition? SwitchedOn Podcast Insights

Australia may soon find itself having to discard substantial amounts of renewable energy due to an inability to distribute it effectively. This challenge has prompted the Federal government to introduce its Solar Sharer scheme, designed to help households utilise excess electricity for three hours during the peak lunch period.

However, concerns are growing that Australia might be creating a high-renewables grid that relies excessively on households to resolve fundamental issues.

The Case for Industrial Contribution

Craig Memery, a seasoned advocate for consumer energy and Senior Advisor at the Justice and Equity Centre, suggests that large industrial consumers should bear more responsibility for managing demand flexibility instead of over-relying on households. He cautions that those unable to shift their energy use to midday—like renters and shift workers—may inadvertently end up supporting those who can adjust their usage more easily.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency

Memery also advocates for prioritising energy efficiency as an essential, yet often disregarded, strategy. He believes it has the potential to lower energy costs, reduce emissions, and alleviate peak demand burdens on the grid, benefiting all consumers.

For further insights into Australia’s energy transition issues and initiatives, tune in to the SwitchedOn podcast where topics around these challenges are deeply explored.