Post by EnergyAustralia

What if access, not technology, is the biggest barrier to the energy transition? Recently, Dr Julia Heslop, our Orchestration Leader for Specialised Businesses, represented EnergyAustralia at the Neighbourhood Batteries Conference as the only retailer presenting. That perspective mattered. Community batteries are one of the most equitable tools we have. They open access to renters, apartment residents and those who have missed out on rooftop solar. But technology is only part of the story. A key challenge raised was whether these initiatives truly drive behaviour change. Our view is simple. This is not the end state. It is how we start engaging customers, building trust and helping more people participate in the benefits of batteries. A few quick reflections from Julia: • Strong appetite for retailer perspectives and customer advocacy • Early challenges are being felt across the industry, showing this is still evolving • Collaboration across partners is critical to making this work We are working closely with partners like Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy (NSW) and EvoEnergy to ensure community batteries are not just infrastructure. They are a pathway to inclusion.