Overview
California is undergoing a profound transformation in how it powers homes and businesses. After decades of relying on gas, the state is rapidly electrifying, and pushing towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
Dr Glen Currie, Energy Consumers Australia’s 20205 Gill Owen Scholarship recipient, travelled to California to see this transition up close, with a focus on decommissioning gas distribution pipelines. He spoke with leading policymakers, regulators, advocates, and academics, and explored the enabling regulatory context.
Following this trip, Glen produced a report (PDF, 4.29MB) sharing key insights about how Australia can accelerate its own energy transition, without repeating California’s costly missteps.
Key Recommendations
The report has four key recommendations:
- Plan for a rapid and orderly phase out of gas.
- Ensure sufficient demand side planning.
- Address cost shifts for renters, apartment dwellers, non-solar and low-income households during transition planning.
- Strengthen interjurisdictional coordination.
The insights from this trip will be used to engage with Australian industry and decision-makers, helping ensure a smooth transition for consumers.
Webinar
What is the Gill Owen Scholarship?
The Gill Owen Scholarship supports an individual to travel internationally to research innovative ideas and initiatives that will be relevant to improving outcomes for consumers in the Australian energy market.
The Gill Owen scholar will engage with leading thinkers internationally and report on new insights that can be applied to challenges faced by small energy consumers in Australia.
Typical activities may include:
- Visiting to one or more countries to learn from energy consumer activities and experiences.
- Meetings with relevant individuals and organisations in the selected country.
- Participating in speaking engagements at conferences or similar events.
