Foresighting Forum 2026: Flick the switch

Our annual energy conference that challenges you to think like a consumer is back for another year! Find out all you need to know, what's on and how to register.

Foresighting Forum is the only national energy forum centred on the people whose decisions matter most to Australia’s energy future: households and small businesses. The everyday choices they make about how they use, save, generate and pay for energy will shape the success of the energy transition.

Participants will focus on accelerating the shift to an energy system that is affordable, clean and reliable, and aligned with the values and expectations of all Australians. Grounded in real consumer experience, the Forum brings together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, researchers and consumer advocates to drive practical, outcome focused discussion.

Registration information

Tickets are priced by organisation type, and available at Earlybird, Standard or Last Minute rates. Purchase your tickets early to secure the best rate! Head to the registration page to access pricing and register your details.

Book your tickets

Organisation Type

Earlybird Rate 

CLOSED

Standard Rate

ON SALE
Available until 13 Feb 26

Last Minute Rate

Available until 3 Mar 26 / Sold out

NFP & Community Organisations

$995
(Group rate: $895.50*)

$995
(Group rate: $895.50*)

$995
(Group rate: $895.50*)

Government, market bodies and academia

$1,150
(Group rate: $1,035*)

$1,350
(Group rate: $1,215*)

$1,550
(Group rate: $1,395*)

For profit industries, including networks and retailers

$1,450
(Group rate: $1,305*)

$1,650
(Group rate: $1,485*)

$1,850
(Group rate: $1,665*)

*10% group discount applies to registrations of five (5) or more delegates and is calculated on the applicable rate at time of registration.

Event theme: Flick the switch!

The theme for the 2026 Forum is 'Flick the Switch'. It reflects a deliberate shift from ideas to action, from analysis to game changing reform. Discussions will draw on a selection of Energy Consumers Australia’s seven targets that must be met for consumers to thrive through the transition. Participants will be invited to contribute directly to shaping how these priorities are delivered in practice.

Logo graphic for Foresighting Forum 2026: Flick the switch! with icon featuring two people and a power plug in a circle

Click here to register

Who's speaking

Keynote speakers

Photo of a person in a navy suit against a dark background, looking at the camera

Luis Gonzalez

Chief Data and AI Officer at Aboitz Power

Photo of a person in a dark coloured suit, with glasses, looking directly at the camera, in front of a light grey background

Robert Gross

Director, UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), and Professor of Energy Policy and Technology at Imperial College London

Photo of a person wearing a jacket and glasses, standing in front of red leaves and smiling

Harriet Thomson

Professor of Energy, Sustainability and Inequality, University of Glasgow, and Associate Director, Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy

Full speaker list

Our 2026 Foresighting Forum features a mix of speakers from diverse backgrounds - energy, consumer advocacy, government and more. Find out more about who is speaking by accessing our full speaker list, below.

 

  • Adam Berry | Deputy Director & Professor, UTS Human Technology Institute
  • Alexandra Bishop | Executive Manager - Grants, Energy Consumers Australia
  • Prof Lachlan Blackhall | Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Australian National University
  • The Hon Anna Bligh AC | Former Qld Premier & Chief Executive Officer, Australian Banking Association
  • Ashley Bradshaw | Executive Manager - Analysis & Advocacy, Energy Consumers Australia
  • John Cleland | Chief Executive Officer, Essential Energy
  • Mark Collette | Chief Executive Officer, Energy Australia
  • Adam Collins | Executive Manager - Advocacy & Policy, Energy Consumers Australia
  • Kerry Connors | General Manager - Community, Energy Consumers Australia
  • Vanessa Davies | Senior Researcher, Tangentyere Aboriginal Council
  • Belinda Dennett | Chief Executive Officer, National Data Centre
  • Ruchika Deora | General Manager - Consumer Energy Solutions, SEC Victoria 
  • Dr Brendan French | Chief Executive Officer, Energy Consumers Australia
  • Luis Gonzalez | Chief Data & AI Officer, Aboitiz Power & Chief Operating Officer Power & Research, Aboitiz Data Innovation
  • David Green OBE
  • Prof Robert Gross | Executive Director, UK Energy Research Centre
  • Tim Jarratt | Group Executive, Market Development & Strategy, Ausgrid
  • Trina Jones | NSW Rental Commissioner, NSW Government
  • Tim Jordan | Commissioner, Australian Energy Market Commission
  • Douglas McCloskey | Program Director - Water & Energy Consumer Advocacy Program, Justice and Equity Centre
  • Travers McLeod | Chief Executive Officer, Brotherhood of St Laurence
  • Lauren Mellor | Clean Energy Community Coordinator, Original Power
  • Chris Miller | Chief Executive Officer, SEC Victoria
  • Elizabeth Molyneux | Deputy Secretary (Energy), Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning VIC
  • Caitlin Perry | Policy Officer, Northern Territory Council of Social Service
  • Jane Pires | Ombudsman, Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland
  • Brendan Radford | Policy Manager, National Seniors
  • Craig Reucassel | Forum MC, Australian writer, comedian and broadcaster
  • Stephanie Saill | Head of Energy Transition, Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW
  • Clare Savage | Chair, Ausralian Energy Regulator
  • Dr Michael Schaper | Chair, Energy Consumers Australia
  • Rosie Thomas | Advocate and Consultant
  • Prof Harriet Thomson | Professor, Energy, Sustainability & Inequality, University of Glasgow and Associate Director, Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy
  • Stephanie Tonkin | Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Action Law Centre
  • Leah Tucker | Senior Policy Manager – Energy and Infrastructure, Business NSW
  • Erin Turner | Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Policy Research Centre
  • Dr Caroline Valente | Executive Manager - Advocacy & Policy, Energy Consumers Australia
  • Dominique van den Berg | Chief Executive Officer, Energy Networks Australia
  • Patrick Veyret | General Manager - Public Affairs & Strategy, Energy Consumers Australia
  • Lotte Wolff | Executive Manager, Advocacy & Policy, Energy Consumers Australia
  • Catherine Wolthuizen | Ombudsman & Chief Executive, Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria

Download the program

The 2026 program (PDF, 2.44MB) focuses on three critical dimensions of the energy transition:

  1. How can consumer trust and confidence be maintained during the energy transition, particularly amid ongoing cost of living pressures?
  2. Are we asking the right questions as artificial intelligence and rapid growth in data centre demand add complexity to the energy market?
  3. How can the sector work together to ensure the experiences of all households and small businesses are visible to decision makers and adequately reflected in policy, regulation and support?

Together, these conversations will examine how the energy system can better protect consumers and support a fair, inclusive transition. The Foresighting Forum is a space for focused debate and collaboration, with consumer perspectives at the centre of shaping Australia’s energy future.

Download event program (PDF, 2.44MB)


Event Sponsorship

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please download our Sponsorship Prospectus (PDF, 2.30MB) and explore the range of options available. Our event team is available to answer any questions. Email: forum@energyconsumersaustralia.com.au

Download sponsorship prospectus (PDF, 2.30MB)


More information about the event

Accommodation

Conference rates are available for those wishing to stay onsite at the Forum venue, Shangri-La Sydney and a selection of nearby hotels. To access conference rates, book your accommodation through the registration link.

Networking opportunities

Please note that networking drinks will be held at the conclusion of Day 1 sessions, from 5:30pm - 7pm. All forum attendees are invited to join.

With thanks to our sponsors

Research Showcase Sponsor

Race for 2030

Consumer Advocate Sponsor

Transgrid

Networking Function Sponsor

HoustonKemp Economists

Coffee Cart Sponsor

Essential Energy

Terms and conditions

By registering and paying for the Energy Consumers Australia 2026 Foresighting Forum to be held in Sydney NSW on 4 & 5 March 2026 inclusive, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions. (PDF, 177.72KB)