FUTURE ENERGY
TOP 5 ENERGY TRENDS FOR 2022 by Christine Corbett, Chief Customer Officer, AGL With a new year comes new trends, and with the energy transition continuing to accelerate, there are some key developments to keep an eye on. Whether you’re an investor or a consumer, get ready to see the energy market and the technologies that drive it become smarter and more affordable. AGL Chief Customer Officer, Christine Corbett shares her views on some of the big trends the energy market can expect to see in 2022. 1. Electric vehicles to accelerate It seems every week a new electric vehicle (EV) model is being released by car manufacturers as the demand for electric vehicles intensifies. Billboards and TV advertisements are no longer targeting the 2X2 Ute, but rather the ease and power a driver could have with an EV. While adoption in Australia has been slower than in other countries, the momentum and demand is increasing, and I expect this trend will continue to grow in 2022. Charging infrastructure is also becoming more accessible and, importantly, more affordable, as are the EVs themselves – making it a more achievable option for many consumers. While pricing isn’t matching that of petrol-fueled cars yet, I believe the next five years will see a real transformation in what vehicles we drive, and how we drive them. Benefits can be even greater too when coupled with solar and battery technologies in the home or business, further driving emissions reductions and supporting Australia in meeting its long-term commitments. At AGL, we want to be the power behind what is driving Australians, connecting them to a sustainable future and supporting their transition. Our EV subscription trial has continued to expand across the country, providing consumers with the opportunity to experience life behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, without the commitment of ownership. As more EVs hit the open road, the big test for industry and governments will be focusing on initiatives that facilitate consumer access and develop technical insights to inform regulatory design. By doing so, EVs will play an important role in achieving the energy transition, providing new job opportunities and seeing more Australians driving their way to a more sustainable future.
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March 2022 ISSUE 17
2. Power to the people The last couple of years have, quite literally, kept us grounded at home, and we’ve soon come to realise that as much as they are places of rest and relaxation, they are also places where we tend to consume the most energy. They require heating and cooling, they pump out the hot water, and they are filled with seemingly endless electrical appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, and kettles. In the midst of the energy transition, households are becoming increasingly empowered to be part of our journey to a lower emissions future, resulting in more options to make changes to household energy consumption right from the palm of our hands – our smartphones. Indeed, there are the smart devices that we have grown accustomed to – robotic vacuums, voice-controlled smart speakers and universal remote controls – but in 2022 I think we’ll see a lot more of these technologies applied to our larger white goods like air-conditioners, refrigerators and dishwashers. Smart meters and monitors offer a promising strategy for reducing consumption, particularly when demand is at its peak. More and more energy retailers are offering programs for customers which notify them when demand for electricity is high, giving customers the choice to opt in or out of these ‘peak events’. AGL’s Peak Energy Rewards program is one such system, and customers can be rewarded with credits if energy reduction targets are met. We believe that affordable, sustainable energy should be the reality for every customer. Product and technology offerings need to evolve in line with our changing wants and needs and, importantly, offer solutions that are more efficient and affordable.
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