Essential Energy

Small-scale batteries and distribution network systems are projected to eventually support 50% of Australia’s renewable storage. But what does this mean for distributors in the long run? The Energy Storage Summit in Sydney this week brought industry leaders together to explore big-picture solutions. Our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Anne Pearson, joined Jess Padman (Director of Energy Products, NRN - National Renewable Network, Joel Prata (Head of Grid), ACEnergy, and Joris Eerkens (Managing Director), Squirrel Energy Pty Ltd to tackle critical issues such as connection, reliability, governance, maintenance, and the role of third parties in sharing assets like land to enhance retail competition. Our commitment to delivering sustainable energy opens unique opportunities achievable through collaborative thinking, driving transparent solutions, and fostering a competitive market. Thanks to the panel, the audience, and Matt Baumgurtel Hamilton Locke (Hamilton Locke) for moderating this crucial discussion. To find out more about our current battery trials visit: https://bit.ly/3VKQe7Y Cory Urquhart, Alistair Fletcher, Andrew Hillsdon, Justin Hillier, Luke Jenner #Batteries #EnergyStorage #SustainableEnergy

Our lived experiences offer valuable opportunities to share knowledge and innovate. However, not all experiences are positive, which is why providing robust support systems for our staff is crucial to us. We offer a wide range of internal support systems and partner with external organisations to ensure our team members can thrive. Recently, we signed a pledge with Soldier On Australia, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting veterans in the workforce and community. This March a team of our dedicated employees are taking the lead by marching 96km to raise funds and awareness for veterans' mental health. They've called themselves "Average Joes", but we know they're not. Want to support them? https://lnkd.in/gZGiWY8v #Inclusion #Diversity #Veterans Ronald Marchant, Shiree Bladwell, Lachie Ayres, Jennifer Murrell, Elisa Hardy, Dylan Palmer

Connecting energy from your EV to your home and back to the grid might sound like something from the future, but for farmer Francis Clarke, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is very much a reality. Tucked away in a farm shed, somewhat reminiscent of Doc’s hideaway for the DeLorean in Back to the Future, Francis is our first customer to be trialling V2G. His Nissan Leaf is powered up with a bi-directional charger that allows for the two-way flow of electricity between the vehicle and the grid. This innovative trial optimises sustainable technology to harness energy, and the benefits are paying off. “The fact that we run a car that drives an average of 2,400 kilometres per month and powers our house while remaining in credit on our power bill is a testament to vehicle-to-grid technology.” Great Scott! We are delighted to be working with Francis to monitor real-world customer experience with technology that paves the way for a smarter, more resilient grid. Read more about Francis's story: https://bit.ly/3Fwj3j4 Watch the video: https://bit.ly/3RfYREt #ElectricVehicles #VehicleToGrid #Batteries Ben Thomas, Francis Clarke, Luke Jenner, Cory Urquhart

We'll be heading out to Narrabri, NSW on the 26th of March to talk all things "New Energy" This event organised by Geni.Energy Limited, is a great opportunity to come and hear from some renewable energy experts, including our Head of Commercial, Andrew Hillsdon. Sessions start at 9.00am and tickets are available online by donation. https://bit.ly/4irpP89 #RegionalNSW #EnergyTransition #Communities

For the past two years, we have been a proud sponsor of Ride to Give. This year, we are kicking it up a notch with our CEO, John Cleland taking on the epic Dubbo to Leeton Cycle Challenge, riding 396km to raise money for vulnerable youth in regional NSW. The ride kicks off on 30 March and runs over three days with cyclists travelling through Forbes and Temora. Funds raised go to Boys to the Bush and BackTrack Youth Works – two amazing organisations that provide youth with positive influences, mentoring and a sense of belonging. To support this great cause, you can donate here: Ride to Give – https://bit.ly/41vSTEm #Communities #RideToGive #RegionalNSW Sophie Cruickshank, Andrew Hinchcliffe, Luke Jenner, Clare Loney

Our teams remain on the ground in Northern NSW navigating access, steep terrain and vegetation challenges along with extremely humid working conditions to safely restore power, following ex-Cyclone Alfred. We’ve now returned power to around 96,000 homes and businesses, with 937 remaining without power this afternoon - primarily in the Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah and Ewingsdale areas. Crews from across our footprint have joined local teams, along with extra vegetation crews, fleet, and customer teams, to provide support. We want to send a huge thank you to all the amazing organisations that have been there for our teams on the ground, providing food, last minute accommodation and logistical support – all of which has helped our crews concentrate on making repairs and getting the power back on. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to all our stakeholders who continue to support us and most importantly, our customers for their ongoing patience during a challenging time. Our work will continue over the weekend and into next week as we work towards restoring power to each and every customer impacted by this event. Latest updates: https://bit.ly/3XvJVWy

We're honoured to be the recipients of two prestigious awards at this year’s WORK180 summit awards held on the eve of International Women’s Day last Friday. For the second consecutive year, we led the field in the Mining, Resources, & Energy Large Enterprise category, as well as the Flexible Work Arrangement, Large Enterprise category. Our female staff are supported through initiatives such as the Women from the Field Program and the Female Apprentice & Trainee Support Pack. And we're championing corporate inclusion with rising female representation, especially in senior leadership. Other initiatives include targeted graduate roles, Family Friendly Workplace certification, and Women in Leadership Summit. Thanks to all the organisers of the event that made the day so special. Read more: https://bit.ly/3FBq2He Back row, left to right: Charlie Boyes, Steve Pollard, Ben Barry and Henry Dunn Fron row, left to right: Kristy Clowe, Jody Lawson, Jyoti Shama and Tegan Molloy #IWD #Diversity #Inclusion

Battery storage at all levels is needed to help fast track the energy transition and manage the power system – from network-scale to community-based like the ones we’ve installed in Maloneys Beach, Goulburn and Leeton. Our regional, remote and rural communities can use these types of batteries to store and use locally generated rooftop solar. Our mission is to advocate for a flexible framework to allow for the connection of energy storage to the distribution network quickly and cost-effectively for the benefit of all customers and our local residents are onboard. Janet MacMillan, from Maloney’s beach agrees “To have solar and not be able to use it or put it into the grid is useless, but if you can help a neighbour to keep their fridge or freezer going, that’s what I think we should be looking at.” This project was jointly funded through the Australian Government’s ‘Community Batteries for Household Solar program. Read the Media release: https://bit.ly/3DATm08 Watch the video: https://bit.ly/43HLMv9

As Cyclone Alfred stalked our north coast last week, our teams were busy preparing. A tactical response was initiated with the safety of our crews and the public as the absolute priority. As the storm inched its way toward the coast, our northern region soon experienced the impact, and within hours, warnings were issued from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie. For the past five days, our teams have delivered a coordinated response: making repairs on the ground where it has been safe to do so, communicating with our customers through all available channels, and working with emergency services and the media. Although conditions are still unstable with "Ex-Alfred" threatening its last bout of damage with potential flooding, we’ve been able to head into some of our most affected communities to provide extra support. We extend our thanks to all our stakeholders who continue to support us in challenging conditions and to the people of the affected communities for their generosity and patience. Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got until you miss it, one customer commenting; "I have never been happier to see anyone! Thank you, Essential Energy." But as far as Alfred is concerned, we'll be happy keeping that one as an 'Ex' Latest updates: https://bit.ly/3XvJVWy Picture: Operations Manager, Mark Summers with Media #ElectricitySafety #RegionalNSW #ClimateChange #Community

Diversity, inclusion, and gender equality are at the heart of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality” (March 8). But how are these values proactively implemented and supported in the workplace? Our partners at Sestra People a company dedicated to promoting these values in top talent recruitment, sought to find out. Our Chief Digital Officer, Sarah McCullough, and Media and Communications Manager, Anne Keen shared insights on how we actively support women in the workplace, including our involvement with organisations such as WORK180, Empowered Women In Trades (EWIT) Group Australia, Menopause Friendly Australia and Family Friendly Workplaces. Additionally, we capture talent with shared values through our Talent and Attraction Proposition and promote our voices across the organisation through our Champions for Change Coalition, which empowers men within our organisation to advocate for women’s experiences at Essential Energy. We are deeply proud to provide a genuine voice for inclusion and diversity and extend our thanks for the opportunity to share our values. #InclusionAndDiversity #IWD #WomenInEnergy