Ausgrid

Using a network of community batteries, the initiative will unlock a major untapped energy resource – boosting the rooftop solar output of industrial zones, shopping centres, schools and other large buildings – to share surplus solar across an entire neighbourhood closer to where it’s needed, powering thousands of homes and businesses.

An agreement has been entered into to sell PLUS ES’s unregulated digital metering business to DigitalBridge, a leading global alternative asset manager dedicated to investing in digital infrastructure. Today’s announcement represents an exciting new chapter for the PLUS ES digital metering business which will create new opportunities for investment, innovation and growth across the digital electricity and water metering operations.

Supporting 174 apprentices across the business and achieving a 95 per cent completion rate, the program brings together apprentices, trainers, mentors, leaders and training partners to help build the skilled workforce needed to power communities across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter. Group Executive People & Culture, Celina Cross said the achievement reflected a collective effort. "We are incredibly humbled and honoured to receive this recognition,” Ms Cross said.

Ausgrid is urging parents to take a fresh look at their homes and neighbourhoods this Electricity Safety Week (7-11 September), warning that potentially dangerous electrical situations can arise in everyday places, from playgrounds and mountain-bike tracks to front gardens and garages.

CEO Marc England said the NSW Distribution System Plan Opportunities Report identifies a compelling case for local energy precincts, which are complementary to the NSW Government’s renewable energy zones (REZs). “Distribution networks like Ausgrid are ideally placed to connect more people to renewable energy using existing infrastructure – to deliver a faster, fairer and cheaper energy transition,” Mr England said.

Ausgrid has launched a new consumer education website, goodenergy.ausgrid.com.au, designed to help all Australians – whether they own their home, rent or live in an apartment – better understand how electrification can reduce energy costs over time and feel more confident about taking their next step towards electrifying their homes.

Locals in Long Jetty, Bateau Bay, Wamberal, The Entrance, Tuggerah and Wyong are the latest to join 220,000 people across the network already eligible to access the savings. Delivered as part of the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) funding, the project represents a major step forward in lowering the cost of living and ensuring the benefits of the renewable energy transition are felt directly by the Central Coast community.

Ausgrid has officially opened a new purpose-built wiring space at its Silverwater Learning Centre in Sydney, strengthening hands-on skills development for the next generation of electrical apprentices. The two-storey training space, designed to replicate a residential setting, was formally opened by the Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon. Andrew Giles MP, during a special ceremony attended by Ausgrid apprentices and the teams who support their learning.

Recruitment is underway for next year’s intake of apprentices, and with Ausgrid playing a key role in the energy transition, there’s never been a more exciting time to become part of the electricity distributor’s workforce. For those wanting to launch an exciting career in energy, applications are now open for Ausgrid’s 2027 Bright Spark Apprentice Program.

Ausgrid has begun trialling its first electric prime mover, testing how heavy electric freight vehicles can support its operations across New South Wales while reducing emissions and improving the experience for drivers and communities. The trial involves a Volvo FH Aero Electric prime mover operating across Ausgrid’s electricity distribution network, hauling loads of more than 30 tonnes on routes stretching from the Upper Hunter to Southern Sydney, as part of regular freight movements.