Equity

I pay a fair share of the energy transition

Explore Equity:

Objectives

Many of us, particularly people on low incomes and renters, face barriers to getting off gas. We’re concerned that as the energy transition escalates and more people exit the gas network, the cost of its upkeep will be split between fewer and fewer customers – meaning spiralling costs for those of us who can least afford to pay them. All Australian governments must work together on a national plan for gas to mitigate these risks. 
 

Hundreds of billions of dollars are now being invested in new energy infrastructure, including new solar and wind farms, transmission, and energy storage systems. While much of this is necessary, no one in the sector should be allowed to forget that we consumers will ultimately pay for it through bills and taxes. Affordability is consumers’ number one priority for the energy transition and we need effectively designed and operated energy markets to ensure that we get a least-cost, efficiently built and operated energy system.

We know it’s going to cost a lot, but what exactly is the ‘bill split’ for the energy transition? Right now, it often feels like consumers are picking up the tab for the whole table. We have a right to know that all parties are paying their fair share. While we appreciate there are commercial sensitivities involved in large infrastructure projects, we want to see transparent reporting of how and when the costs are flowing to consumers.

In the past, energy flowed one-way: from large generators to networks, and then into our homes and businesses. Today, many of us provide energy back to the network. In future, we’re hopeful we’ll see a multi-directional energy ecosystem, where we don’t just share our resources with ‘the system’ but provide excess solar or battery capacity to our neighbours – or they to us. Governments need to trial new regulatory and business models to demonstrate that community-based systems aren’t only feasible and desirable but lead to net savings for everyone.

Equity illustration
Kookaburra illustration

Showing 1 - 9 of 56 results
Photo of a transmission tower from underneath, looking up towards a blue sky.
Submission
16 July 2025
2 min read
Submission to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) on Automation of negative residue management for the implementation of transmission loops
Read our submission to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) regarding Automation of negative residue management for the implementation of transmission loops.
Photo of transmission towers at sunset
Submission
16 July 2025
2 min read
Submission to the Australian Energy Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on Inter-regional settlements residue arrangements for transmission loops
Read our submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) regarding inter-regional settlements residue arrangements for transmission loops.
Photo of an Australian urban street, in which you can see a power line supplying power to the three houses in shot. It is sunny and there is a bright blue sky in the background.
Submission
11 July 2025
2 min read
Submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on The pricing review: electricity pricing for a consumer-driven future discussion paper
Our submission and commissioned report to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)'s pricing review discussion paper.
Photo of a gas meter and pipes on a house under construction
Submission
10 July 2025
2 min read
Submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on Gas Distribution Networks: Connection and permanent abolishment charges Consultation paper
We propose changing the National Gas Rules (NGR) in four distinct ways, to minimise the risk of rising gas bills.
Illustration of young girl reading book outside house
Grants Archive
08 July 2025
Abundance, equity and affordability – optimising urban opportunities for renewable energy generation and storage
The next decisions about market rules, investment incentives and infrastructure priorities need to build on place-based experiences of households and small businesses in cities across Australia. Renewable energy zones in places like metropolitan Sydney could help to drive up benefits for households and small businesses and drive down carbon emissions.
Grants Archive
12 June 2025
Electrification Accelerator: A community-led approach to making electrification faster, fairer and better
A grant was allocated to Rewiring Australia.
Photo of a blue sign against a blue sky with 'electric vehicle' written on it, in front of a street sign saying 'Franklin St'
Submission
12 June 2025
2 min read
Submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) on CPU’s ring-fencing waiver application for providing kerbside EV charging infrastructure
Our submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), relating to CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy’s (CPU) ring-fencing waiver application for providing kerbside electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
Photo of a gas heater in darkness, illuminated orange
News
12 June 2025
2 min read
Rule change amendment to protect gas consumers
Media release: Consumers remaining on the declining gas network will be better protected from soaring bills if a proposed amendment to the National Gas Rules by Energy Consumers Australia is approved.
Close-up photo of a stovetop gas burner underneath a pot; the burner's flame is burning bright blue.
News
11 June 2025
7 min read
Gas Distribution Network Rule Changes: What you need to know
We've submitted four rule changes to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) to amend the National Gas Rules and protect consumers in a declining gas network.
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