A Listening Report is now available on YourSay Conversations, outlining what was heard from the community as part of the ACT Government’s consultation on the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP).

From 1 August to 12 September, we invited the community to have their say on a proposed approach to transform our energy systems and support a fair and equitable transition to net zero emissions from fossil fuel energy by 2045.

A Position Paper was released as part of the consultation, which sought feedback on the proposed policy directions, key principles, focus areas of the IEP, as well as an approach to deliver the IEP in three stages out to 2040.

The Listening Report provides a high-level summary of what was heard throughout the consultation. Some broad findings include:

• There was mixed support for the ACT’s plans to electrify. The majority of event participants were supportive of the energy transition, however this was contrasted by 55% of survey respondents who were either very or somewhat unsupportive.
• The majority of submissions from organisations were generally supportive of the IEP, highlighting the benefits of transitioning to renewable electricity.
• There was broad support for the IEP policy principles, though it was noted that some of the principles could be refined and simplified.
• Stakeholders recognised that the IEP focus areas were thorough in outlining many of the key challenges of implementation including ensuring reliability of the network, complex buildings, workforce, upfront costs for community and business and ensuring equity through the transition.
• Across engagement activities, there was strong support for prioritising a fair and equitable transition to net-zero.
• Participants highlighted the importance of keeping community benefit at the centre of the transition.
• Participants also strongly supported the idea of energy independence and resilience. This included households becoming self-sufficient power hubs through solar panels and battery storage.
• Across all engagement activities, key concerns raised included whether the electricity network has the capacity to support the increased demand, complexity and costs associated with upgrading existing infrastructure, the upfront costs to households and small businesses, and equity and accessibility for vulnerable households.
• The transition was also viewed by many as a significant economic opportunity, including in relation to creating new jobs, especially in the renewable energy sector.
• There was strong support for the role of information and education to help drive the consumer-led transition.

This feedback will help us to develop the first Integrated Energy Plan, outlining key actions government will take to secure an affordable, clean and sustainable energy future for our city. The first Integrated Energy Plan is expected to be released in early 2024.

You can now read the full Listening Report by visiting YourSay Conversations.

A more in-depth consultation report will also be published in late 2023.

For more information on the consultation, please visit https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/Integrated-Energy-Plan