In the energy industry, we experience changes in technology, consumption patterns, customer preferences, energy policies and regulatory settings. This transformation presents opportunities and challenges for us, our customers and other stakeholders.
Engagement with our stakeholders is an integral part of our approach to being an innovative, flexible, and adaptable business. We consult with stakeholders in relation to a range of business matters.
We believe in regular, structured communication to stakeholders including providing feedback on stakeholder input or concerns. The consultation on general matters is often conducted according to our engagement approach. For specific consultation matters additional plans or programs may be developed.
Key concepts in our stakeholder engagement approach include:
- continuing to grow our customer focus,
- making engagement business as usual, and
- aligning our work with the interests of our stakeholders.
Four ways our stakeholders can engage with us on demand management or non-network options:
Path 1: Broad-based program
Participate in a broad-based program as a consumer solution provider. These programs incentivise consumers to reduce electricity demand.
Review the existing and planned broad based programs in the annual planning report.
Path 2: Targeted program
Participate in a targeted program. These programs aim to address network limitations in a specific area in the network, such as a suburb.
Review the network limitations in the annual planning report.
Path 3: Regulatory Investment Test
Participate in a Regulatory Investment Test (RIT). RITs apply to projects above $6 million and are usually aimed at larger market participants.
Review Evoenergy projects subject to RIT in the annual planning report.
Path 4: Provide a suggestion
Reach out to us to provide a suggestion or comment to us, or to receive correspondence on specific matters relating to network development.
You can get started by completing our enquiry form.
Broad-based demand management programs
Broad based demand management programs are designed to address large groups of consumers and other stakeholders who can assist in peak demand reduction. For example, interrupting appliance load for short periods of time, or using cost reflective or innovative tariffs to incentivise consumers to reduce demand. The programs may include proof of concept pilots and trials before the programs can be implemented.
Get involved
If you would like to participate in a pilot or a trial, register as either an energy consumer (end-user) or a business operating in the demand management space. You can also make suggestions relating to demand management or register to receive information on any of the future projects or programs.
Targeted demand management programs
Targeted programs focus on a reduction of demand in specific areas or pockets of the network. As part of our network planning process, we identify existing and emerging electricity network limitations. We must resolve identified limitations either though network or non-network solutions.
We endeavour to identify limitations as early as possible to allow sufficient time for consideration of a full range of solutions. If the limitation emerges late in the process (e.g. as the result of a late connection application from a large customer) the time available for consideration of all options may be limited. Consideration of non-network and demand management solutions is a mandatory part of our network planning process.
Get involved
You can register here. There are no obligations on your part if you register. You can also provide a suggestion or request information or updates on any program.
As part of our investigations on network limitations and depending on the screening assessment of options, we may issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to submit non-network solutions.
We will inform you of the RFP if you have registered for a program. The exact timing may depend on the project requirements and available information. We will endeavour to issue RFP no later than 21 months before the limitation must be addressed and allow 3-6 months for selection of preferred solutions. For transmission system limitations we will endeavour to publish RFP no later than 36 months before the network limitation must be addressed.
Our RFP will explain the network limitation, the timeline for resolution and possible solutions. The RFP will indicate what investment, capital contribution or incentive we are prepared to provide to external parties to resolve the issue.
Regulatory investment tests
The National Electricity Rules require Evoenergy to conduct a Regulatory Investment Test (RIT) on all investments above $6 million. The aim of the test is to consider the full suite of alternative solutions including network, non-network and demand side management options.
A RIT requires consultation and a review of the proposal with external stakeholders, including National Electricity Market participants who may submit an alternative proposal. The RIT rules require us to implement the most optimal solution, which may include a mix of non-network and network components.
A RIT Transmission (RIT-T) is conducted for transmission projects according to the process set out in Australian Energy Regulator’s application guidelines. A RIT Distribution (RIT-D) is conducted for distribution projects according to the process set out in the AER’s application guidelines for regulatory investment test for distribution.
For eligible projects, we initiate RIT-D and RIT-T consultations after preliminary investigation of viable options and selection of proposed solution. The exact timing is governed by the requirements and complexity of the project. For distribution projects, we aim to commence the RIT-D process at least 21 months before the network limitation must be resolved.
For transmission projects, we usually commence the RIT-T process no later than 36 months prior to intended completion.
Current regulatory investment tests
We are currently consulting with industry on a Non-Network Options Report (NNOR) as part of the RIT-D for the Gold Creek Zone Capacity to explore non-network solutions such as battery storage or other innovative technology, to service significant new demand. Submissions for the Gold Creek Zone Capacity NNOR will close on the 28th November 2022.
Download the Gold Creek RIT-D Non-Network Options Report
Download the RIT-D FAQs
General feedback and suggestions
We invite feedback and suggestions from all interested parties in relation to the contents of the Annual Planning Report and other matters relating to network planning and development. From time to time, we also conducts workshops, information sessions or send out information on specific topics relating to the network development.
You can get started by completing our enquiry form.