Watts Next?

About Watts Next?

Our energy network is going through a massive transformation as we look to decarbonise our grid through the rollout of renewables. And with the pace of innovation increasing, it’s becoming pretty clear that we’re in for a bit of a bumpy ride. So whether you’re an industry veteran, or just keen to learn more - Watts Next? will bring you into conversations with some of the leading voices in the energy sector, as we try to figure out how to build the energy system of the future. Watts Next? is a podcast by Energy Consumers Australia, the national voice for energy consumers.

Publisher

Energy Consumers Australia

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Apr 2023

Latest episode

7 Sept 2023

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Sept 2023

   Moving to electric – accelerating EV adoption in Australia

   It’s no secret that electric cars are starting to appear more frequently on our roads. The move to electric vehicles comes with a lot of challenges, both for our energy network, and the consumers that use them. So how can we accelerate the rollout of EVs, and will our policy makers be able to keep up? In this episode, Energy Consumers Australia’s Ashley Bradshaw speaks with Ross De Rango, Head of Energy and Infrastructure at the Electric Vehicle Council. The Electric Vehicle Council is an industry group that consults with automakers, and key decision makers to provide advice on the transition to EVs. So how are we shaping up as a nation when it comes to the rollout, and where might we need to improve? This episode also features an update from the Energy Consumers Australia's Grants Program, where Alexandra Bishop talks with Dr Gill Armstrong from Climateworks about what they've learnt about the quality of Australia's housing stock, and how to improve the energy efficiency of our homes. Show notes for interview ⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davina-rooney-33147b6a/)⁠Ross De Rango on LinkedIn⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-de-rango-29a88013/)⁠ ⁠⁠Ashley Bradshaw on LinkedIn⁠⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-bradshaw-6331b2194/) ⁠⁠Website: Electric Vehicle Council (https://electricvehiclecouncil.com.au/)⁠ Show Notes for Grants Update ⁠⁠Energy Consumers Australia: For applicants⁠ (https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/for-applicants) ⁠Climateworks: Renovation Pathways (https://www.climateworkscentre.org/project/renovation-pathways/)⁠

2. 

   22 Aug 2023

   The modern ombudsman – building trust and social licence

   When a customer has an issue with their energy provider, one of the places they can turn is to the Energy and Water Ombudsman. It can be a difficult role that can help keep the whole industry in check, but how does the role of an ombudsman need to evolve as our energy system rapidly changes? In this episode, Energy Consumers Australia’s Melissa McAuliffe speaks with Catherine Wolthuizen - Energy and Water Ombudsman for Victoria. Melissa and Catherine explore the concept of the 'modern ombudsman', and how their role can evolve in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis and significant technological change. The conversation contains the most recent research and insights from EWOV about the biggest challenges consumers are facing, and how retailers can play a role in alleviating these pressures. This episode also features an update from the Energy Consumers Australia's Grants Program, which covers the priority issues that need the most attention in the energy market to help guide applicants on the projects we're most open to funding. Show notes for interview ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davina-rooney-33147b6a/)Catherine Wolthuizen on LinkedIn⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-wolthuizen/) ⁠Melissa McAuliffe on LinkedIn⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mcauliffe-00596363/) ⁠Website: Energy and Water Ombudsman - Data Hub (https://www.ewov.com.au/data-and-reports/data-hub) Show Notes for Grants Update ⁠Energy Consumers Australia: For applicants (https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/for-applicants) Energy Consumers Australia: Grant Priority Issues (https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/grant-priority-issues)

3. 

   9 Aug 2023

   Let’s Go Retro – 8 million reasons to get serious about energy efficiency

   The design of our built environment is one of the key opportunities for Australia to improve our sustainability as we move towards net zero. Not only within our homes, but also our offices, retail stores, warehouses, and of course government buildings. So how do we make sure all our buildings are on the same path to a renewable energy future? In this enlightening episode, Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, sits down for a thought-provoking interview with Kerry Connors, Director of Energy Inclusion at Energy Consumers Australia. Davina and Kerry explore why Australia's 8 million energy inefficient homes are impacting Australian's health and finances, and how to approach the task of retro-fitting these homes to make them more comfortable and healthier places to live. This episode also features an update from Energy Consumers Australia's Grants Program, and uncovers the findings from Better Renting's 'Renter Researchers' project which tracks temperatures in rental homes. Show notes for interview Davina Rooney on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davina-rooney-33147b6a/) Kerry Connors on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-connors-00a48920/) Website: Green Building Council of Australia (https://new.gbca.org.au/) Show Notes for Grants Update Video: Grants Case Study: Renter Researchers Project (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOJWxtgypAk) Website: Better Renting (https://www.betterrenting.org.au/)

4. 

   12 Jul 2023

   Home Alone – helping consumers get the advice they need

   In this episode, Alan Pears from RMIT University is interviewed by Energy Consumers Australia's Carol Valente, Senior Policy Associate from our Energy System Transition team. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, things we can do to transform our energy network, is to improve the efficiency of our homes. Whether it’s changing the appliances we use, or the way we build and insulate our houses, improvements to our home environment can dramatically change the impact each of us has on the grid. But where should we even start? In the 1980s Alan Pears created and led programs that went into consumers’ homes to offer tailored energy efficiency audits and advice. Why have we forgotten the value of these kinds of programs and how can we get them back? Alan and Carol explore these issues and more throughout the conversation. This episode also features a Grants Update on a project that seeks to better understand the needs of Queensland farmers to help design electricity tariffs that better suit their operations. Show notes for interview ⁠Alan Pears on LinkedIn⁠⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pears-abb7a513/) ⁠Carol Valente on LinkedIn⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-valente/) IEA's Energy Efficiency Report 2022 (https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/7741739e-8e7f-4afa-a77f-49dadd51cb52/EnergyEfficiency2022.pdf) NABERS (https://www.nabers.gov.au/) Consumer information | Energy Rating (https://www.energyrating.gov.au/consumer-information) Energy Rating Calculator (https://calculator.energyrating.gov.au/Default.aspx) Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) (https://www.nathers.gov.au/)⁠⁠ Show notes for Grants Update ⁠Video: Grants Case Study: Agricultural Energy Tariffs Project (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kshvg1qSTEY) Grant Archive: Charting farmers’ experience of tariff switching and understanding of electricity tariffs to enable better decision making (https://grants.energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/archive/charting-farmers-experience-of-tariff-switching-and-understanding-of-electricity-tariffs-to-enable-better-decision-making/)

5. 

   28 Jun 2023

   Beyond gas – exploring the transition to electric solutions

   In this episode, Tony Wood from the Grattan Institute is interviewed by Energy Consumers Australia's Director Energy System Transition Brian Spak. As we move towards a carbon neutral economy, a very real conversation is taking place that affects most homeowners in Australia. What do we do about gas? 5 million Australian homes are connected to gas, whether it’s for heating, cooking or both. We rely on it, but if we want to reduce our carbon footprint, something needs to change. Tony and Brian discuss the gas transition and electric alternatives as the Grattan Institute communicates the findings of their recently released 'Getting off gas' report. This episode also features a Grants Update on a project that is upskilling migrants in Australia to better understand their energy bills, technology and their role in the energy transition. Show notes for interview ⁠Report: Getting off gas: why, how, and who should pay? (Getting off gas: why, how, and who should pay?) Tony Wood on LinkedIn⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-wood-2bb725133/) Brian Spak on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-spak-6ab50620/) Show notes for Grants Update Video: Grants Case Study: Voices for Power - CALD Community Empowerment Training (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EITXok_NeJw) Grants Archive: Voices for Power - CALD Community Empowerment Training (https://grants.energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/archive/voices-for-power-cald-community-empowerment-training/)

6. 

   13 Jun 2023

   Consumers of the future – keeping connected

   In this special episode, Energy Consumers Australia's outgoing CEO Lynne Gallagher is interviewed by Jacqueline Crawshaw. Lynne’s contribution to Energy Consumers Australia has spanned eight years, including three as CEO. During that time the Australian energy system has evolved significantly as we make the transition to more renewables across large-scale generation, households and small businesses. The conversation tracks how a focus on consumer research has enabled new evidence-based insights for the sector, and also delves into the latest consumer trends and attitudes as they navigate the transition. This episode also features a special tribute from the Energy Consumers Australia Board and staff honouring Lynne's contribution to Energy Consumers Australia. Show notes for interview Energy Consumer Sentiment & Behaviour Surveys: Microsite (https://ecss.energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/) Power Shift: Project page (https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/projects/power-shift) Lynne Gallagher on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynne-gallagher-a0766468/) Lynne Gallagher Farewell video⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS9a_3R16Ng)

7. 

   30 May 2023

   The Power of One – making life easier for people in hardship situations

   Energy Consumers Australia's Director Energy Inclusion Kerry Connors interviews Ciara Sterling, CEO of Thriving Communities Partnership. Thriving Communities Partnership recently won a Good Design Award for its One Stop Story Hub, an initiative that aims to dramatically improve the experience of people in hardship situations. Under this pilot project, consumers only need to tell their story once to access assistance. Information could be shared by utilities, power and gas companies, Telstra, banks and more. How did this project come about? What has it uncovered that can help provide better experiences for consumers in the future and where to from here? This episode also features an update about the Energy Consumers Australia Grants Program and things you might need to consider before making an application. Show notes for interview ⁠⁠ (https://mechanicaldolphin.com/)Thriving Communities Partnership One Stop Story Hub (https://thriving.org.au/what-we-do/the-one-stop-one-story-hub) Ciara Sterling on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciara-sterling-8a586778/)⁠ Show notes for Grants Update Energy Consumers Australia: For applicants page (https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/for-applicants)⁠

8. 

   16 May 2023

   Charging ahead – avoiding planning through the rear-view mirror

   Energy Consumers Australia's Director Energy System Transition Brian Spak interviews Paul De Martini from Newport Consulting in the United States. Paul is an expert in energy infrastructure planning and shares his deep knowledge on how to navigate the various technological and regulatory challenges as we build the energy system of the future. Brian and Paul discuss in detail the path forward on building electric vehicle infrastructure, and how the mismatch in regulatory and innovation cycles might create barriers to progress. This episode also features an update from the Energy Consumers Australia Grants Program about research the University of Queensland are doing to better understand electric vehicle charging behaviour of consumers. Show notes for interview Paul De Martini on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-de-martini-262240b/)⁠ Show notes for Grants Update ⁠Grants archive: UQ Charge EV Project (https://aibe.uq.edu.au/research/energy/electric-vehicle)

9. 

   2 May 2023

   Dealing with uncertainty – navigating energy transitions

   Energy Consumers Australia's Director Policy, Energy Services and Markets, Jacqueline Crawshaw interviews Matt Finch, an Associate Fellow from the Saïd Business School at Oxford University and Strategy Consultant at MechanicalDolphin.com. Matt shares his insights and strategies for making informed decisions in the face of uncertainty, and how to ensure that resources are allocated effectively to create a people-powered energy transition that benefits everyone. This episode also features an update from the Energy Consumers Australia Grants Program about work the Australian National University are doing to better understand how consumers will use new energy tech in their homes. Show notes for interview ⁠Matt Finch - Mechanical Dolphin website (https://mechanicaldolphin.com/) ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-jordan-744245/)Matt Finch on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-finch/) Show notes for Grants Update Grants archive: Social license for import operating envelopes (https://grants.energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/archive/social-license-for-import-operating-envelopes/)

10. 

    18 Apr 2023

    Powering innovation – unlocking energy services of the future

    Energy Consumers Australia CEO Lynne Gallagher speaks with Paul Jordan from Energy Systems Catapult about their role in promoting innovation and accelerating the energy transition in the United Kingdom, and what lessons Australia might learn. This episode also features an update from the Energy Consumers Australia Grants Program about the work Better Renting are doing to improve energy efficiency standards of rental homes. Show notes for interview Energy Systems Catapult (https://es.catapult.org.uk/) Paul Jordan on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-jordan-744245/) Show notes for Grants Update Sweaty and Stressed: Renting in an Australian Summer (https://assets.nationbuilder.com/betterrenting/pages/364/attachments/original/1677534064/Sweaty_and_Stressed_v1.4.2.pdf?1677534064) Grants Archive: National advocacy initiative for minimum energy efficiency requirements for rental properties (https://grants.energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/archive/national-advocacy-initiative-for-minimum-energy-efficiency-requirements-for/)

11. 

    6 Apr 2023

    Watts Next? - Trailer

    Our energy network is in a massive transition, as we look to decarbonise our grid through the rollout of renewables. And with the pace of innovation increasing, it’s becoming pretty clear that we’re in for a bit of a bumpy ride.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.