Ausgrid is proposing to trial a network-led model for deployment of solar and orchestration of batteries in Botany-Mascot and Charmhaven NSW. It requires a waiver from provisions of the National Electricity Law and Rules to run the trial through the AER’s policy-led sandboxing.
We're supportive of the trial, subject to important conditions being met. We recognise the merit in testing new approaches that can help address pressing challenges in the energy system, particularly around the integration and orchestration of consumer/distributed energy resources (C/DER).
We see the trial as potentially bringing benefits in various ways:
- Stimulating investment in solar on under-utilised commercial and industrial roof space
- Operating batteries to smooth operational demand, improving network utilisation and avoiding network upgrades.
- Sharing the benefits of Consumer Energy Resources (CER) assets with consumers who cannot directly invest in CER — such as renters and those living in apartments.
However, our support for the trial rests on three key conditions:
- Evidence of a strong, adequately resourced focus on learning to ensure the trial delivers meaningful and transferable insights.
- Approval by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) of an engagement plan and methodology for determining how the dividend is shared among customers before the trial commences.
- The publication of data collected through the trial and Spatial Energy Plans to inform wider industry and policy development.
Page last updated:
24 September 2025
