Australia’s Energy Transition in Focus: Insights from AEW 2025
How real-time data, smarter markets, and consumer-focused design are shaping the future of clean energy in Australia
By Dave Johnson, Head of Australia
How real-time data, smarter markets, and consumer-focused design are shaping the future of clean energy in Australia
Australian Energy Week 2025 brought together energy leaders, regulators, and innovators to explore the next phase of Australia’s energy transition. The message was clear: to reach net zero, the sector must embrace innovation, empower consumers, and modernise the grid with smarter, data-driven tools.
From system design to customer experience, plenary speakers explored what it will take to deliver a reliable, affordable, and equitable energy system. And across all discussions, one theme kept emerging—grid-edge intelligence is essential to make it happen.
Customer-Centric Electrification
AGL CEO Damien Nicks focused on electrification as a key pathway in the clean energy transition, sharing data that 42% of their customers are actively seeking solutions. With the right combination of smart meters, personalised tariffs, and accessible energy data, electrification can reduce bills and improve comfort—particularly when bundled into end-to-end product ecosystems. Importantly, low-income households must not be left behind; the transition must be designed to be fair, inclusive, and affordable.
Grid Visibility & Local Intelligence
Mark Sprawson of EA Technology highlighted the growing need for high-resolution grid data to improve grid resilience and operational efficiency. From detecting low-voltage (LV) faults to managing reverse power flows, edge computing is already unlocking real-world benefits. But while edge-based platforms help see more on the grid side, a critical blind spot remains behind the meter.
That’s where Sense complements these efforts, using advanced load disaggregation to detect devices like EVs, solar, and heat pumps in real time. By surfacing both grid-side and customer-side intelligence, Sense fills the final gap in the visibility puzzle, enabling DNSPs to plan, operate, and engage with far greater precision.
Australia Market Reform for a Net-Zero Grid
Anna Collyer, Chair of the AEMC, set out a strategic vision for a consumer-focused net zero energy system. Reforms span energy affordability, dynamic pricing, and improved data access, all underpinned by principles of equity and trust. Collyer noted the need for collaboration across market bodies, regulators, and communities to drive successful reform. Energy transition planning must support both grid modernisation and meaningful community engagement—especially as DER adoption accelerates.
A System Evolving in Real Time
Tim Nelson’s review of the NEM spotlighted a changing energy landscape marked by weather-dependent supply, invisible assets, and sharper price volatility. As renewable energy continues to displace legacy generation, market mechanisms need to evolve too. Nelson proposed a new framework to support long-term investment signals, explicitly calling for greater participation from distributed resources and demand flexibility.
CX Innovation in the Clean Energy Economy
Mark Humphreys of Gentrack explored how utilities can meet rising expectations through segmentation, speed, and data. From vulnerable customers to those with complex multi-service needs, utilities must adopt new operating models supported by AI, automation, and customer analytics. This focus on energy efficiency and engagement aligns closely with Sense’s mission—to make energy data personal and actionable, building long-term customer trust and loyalty.
The Energy System Is Local and Social
Rob Wheals of Squadron Energy closed with a reminder that Australia’s transition isn’t just technical—it’s social. Communities want to be part of the solution, not just recipients of change. Investments in firmed renewables, community engagement, and delivering benefit locally are now business imperatives.
Final Takeaway
From retail innovation to real-time grid analytics, AEW 2025 showcased the breadth of change underway across Australia’s energy transition. One insight rang loudest: enabling a clean, flexible, and resilient energy future depends not just on new infrastructure—but on the intelligence we extract from it. With real-time insights from both sides of the meter, Sense is proud to be part of the solution.
Heading to All Energy Australia this October?
Let’s keep the conversation going. Stop by and see what’s next.