Watts Next?

Moving to electric – accelerating EV adoption in Australia

It’s no secret that electric cars are starting to appear more frequently on our roads. The move to electric vehicles comes with a lot of challenges, both for our energy network, and the consumers that use them. So how can we accelerate the rollout of EVs, and will our policy makers be able to keep up? In this episode, Energy Consumers Australia’s Ashley Bradshaw speaks with Ross De Rango, Head of Energy and Infrastructure at the Electric Vehicle Council. The Electric Vehicle Council is an industry group that consults with automakers, and key decision makers to provide advice on the transition to EVs. So how are we shaping up as a nation when it comes to the rollout, and where might we need to improve? This episode also features an update from the Energy Consumers Australia's Grants Program, where Alexandra Bishop talks with Dr Gill Armstrong from Climateworks about what they've learnt about the quality of Australia's housing stock, and how to improve the energy efficiency of our homes. Show notes for interview ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ross De Rango on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ashley Bradshaw on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Website: Electric Vehicle Council⁠ Show Notes for Grants Update ⁠⁠Energy Consumers Australia: For applicants⁠ ⁠Climateworks: Renovation Pathways⁠

The modern ombudsman – building trust and social licence

When a customer has an issue with their energy provider, one of the places they can turn is to the Energy and Water Ombudsman. It can be a difficult role that can help keep the whole industry in check, but how does the role of an ombudsman need to evolve as our energy system rapidly changes? In this episode, Energy Consumers Australia’s Melissa McAuliffe speaks with Catherine Wolthuizen - Energy and Water Ombudsman for Victoria. Melissa and Catherine explore the concept of the 'modern ombudsman', and how their role can evolve in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis and significant technological change. The conversation contains the most recent research and insights from EWOV about the biggest challenges consumers are facing, and how retailers can play a role in alleviating these pressures. This episode also features an update from the Energy Consumers Australia's Grants Program, which covers the priority issues that need the most attention in the energy market to help guide applicants on the projects we're most open to funding. Show notes for interview ⁠Catherine Wolthuizen on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Melissa McAuliffe on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Website: Energy and Water Ombudsman - Data Hub Show Notes for Grants Update ⁠Energy Consumers Australia: For applicants Energy Consumers Australia: Grant Priority Issues

Let’s Go Retro – 8 million reasons to get serious about energy efficiency

The design of our built environment is one of the key opportunities for Australia to improve our sustainability as we move towards net zero. Not only within our homes, but also our offices, retail stores, warehouses, and of course government buildings. So how do we make sure all our buildings are on the same path to a renewable energy future? In this enlightening episode, Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, sits down for a thought-provoking interview with Kerry Connors, Director of Energy Inclusion at Energy Consumers Australia. Davina and Kerry explore why Australia's 8 million energy inefficient homes are impacting Australian's health and finances, and how to approach the task of retro-fitting these homes to make them more comfortable and healthier places to live. This episode also features an update from Energy Consumers Australia's Grants Program, and uncovers the findings from Better Renting's 'Renter Researchers' project which tracks temperatures in rental homes. Show notes for interview Davina Rooney on LinkedIn Kerry Connors on LinkedIn Website: Green Building Council of Australia Show Notes for Grants Update Video: Grants Case Study: Renter Researchers Project Website: Better Renting

Home Alone – helping consumers get the advice they need

In this episode, Alan Pears from RMIT University is interviewed by Energy Consumers Australia's Carol Valente, Senior Policy Associate from our Energy System Transition team.  One of the most important, yet often overlooked, things we can do to transform our energy network, is to improve the efficiency of our homes. Whether it’s changing the appliances we use, or the way we build and insulate our houses, improvements to our home environment can dramatically change the impact each of us has on the grid. But where should we even start?  In the 1980s Alan Pears created and led programs that went into consumers’ homes to offer tailored energy efficiency audits and advice. Why have we forgotten the value of these kinds of programs and how can we get them back? Alan and Carol explore these issues and more throughout the conversation. This episode also features a Grants Update on a project that seeks to better understand the needs of Queensland farmers to help design electricity tariffs that better suit their operations.  Show notes for interview ⁠Alan Pears on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠Carol Valente on LinkedIn⁠ IEA's Energy Efficiency Report 2022 NABERS Consumer information | Energy Rating Energy Rating Calculator Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS)⁠⁠ Show notes for Grants Update ⁠Video: Grants Case Study: Agricultural Energy Tariffs Project Grant Archive: Charting farmers’ experience of tariff switching and understanding of electricity tariffs to enable better decision making

Beyond gas – exploring the transition to electric solutions

In this episode, Tony Wood from the Grattan Institute is interviewed by Energy Consumers Australia's Director Energy System Transition Brian Spak. As we move towards a carbon neutral economy, a very real conversation is taking place that affects most homeowners in Australia. What do we do about gas? 5 million Australian homes are connected to gas, whether it’s for heating, cooking or both. We rely on it, but if we want to reduce our carbon footprint, something needs to change. Tony and Brian discuss the gas transition and electric alternatives as the Grattan Institute communicates the findings of their recently released 'Getting off gas' report. This episode also features a Grants Update on a project that is upskilling migrants in Australia to better understand their energy bills, technology and their role in the energy transition. Show notes for interview ⁠Report: Getting off gas: why, how, and who should pay? Tony Wood on LinkedIn⁠ Brian Spak on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Show notes for Grants Update Video: Grants Case Study: Voices for Power - CALD Community Empowerment Training Grants Archive: Voices for Power - CALD Community Empowerment Training