Smart grid likely to roll on
All major political parties have left the door open to continue to back projects aimed at improving the efficiency of electricity usage.
Since 2010 up to 30,000 households have participated in the multiyear Ausgrid-led $100 million Smart Grid, Smart City project. It aims to build a business case for key smart grid applications and technologies, and gather data to guide broader adoption.
The initiative draws to a close in September, with the major analysis due in early 2014. "A series of research projects are being done ahead of the final release of the outcomes, the most significant being an integrated cost-benefit analysis to address the total benefits of all technologies," an Ausgrid spokesman said.
Smart grids involve the deployment of new technologies such as smart meters across electricity networks, and analytics tools to assess the data captured.
While there are several smart grid pilots in Australia and a large-scale rollout in Victoria, the Canberra-funded project has been considered one of the most important in informing decisions on future investment.
Labor's Minister for Resources and Energy, Gary Gray, would not say what the party's position is following the project or if additional investment would be made. But he has not ruled out an announcement on budget day or before the election.
Shadow energy minister Ian Macfarlane committed - in a statement to IT Pro - to an evaluation of the effectiveness of the project should it win power in September.
Green's leader Christine Milne said the party would release its position closer to the election.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The Ausgrid Smart Grid, Smart City project is a multiyear, A$100 million pilot that started in 2010 to test smart grid technologies across up to 30,000 households. It aims to build a business case for key smart grid applications, collect real-world data and guide broader adoption — information that could influence future energy investment decisions.
Smart grid pilots in Australia, including the Ausgrid project, involve deploying new technologies such as smart meters across electricity networks and using analytics tools to assess the data captured from those devices.
Up to 30,000 households have participated in the trial since 2010, and the project has a total budget of A$100 million.
The initiative draws to a close in September, with the major analysis and integrated findings due in early 2014, following a series of research projects.
Ausgrid is preparing a series of research reports ahead of the final release, the most significant being an integrated cost‑benefit analysis designed to assess the total benefits of all tested smart grid technologies.
All major political parties have left the door open to continue backing projects that improve electricity efficiency. Labor hasn’t ruled out further announcements, the Coalition (via shadow minister Ian Macfarlane) has committed to evaluating the project if it wins power, and the Greens say they will release their position closer to the election.
While there are several pilots and a large‑scale rollout in Victoria, the Canberra‑funded Ausgrid project has been considered one of the most important in informing decisions on future smart grid investment because of its scale and comprehensive data collection.
Everyday investors should note that the Ausgrid project is building the evidence base — including an integrated cost‑benefit analysis — that will inform broader adoption and future investment in smart grid technologies. Government support appears likely to continue across parties, which could affect the pace and scale of future deployments.
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