$3.5B boost to energy grid

The investment includes $240 million to integrate rooftop solar and large-scale wind and solar generators to put downward pressure on wholesale energy prices.

AusNet general manager, Charlotte Eddy said the upgrade would increase capacity across the network, support customer growth and enable more customers to electrify their gas appliances and transport.

Problem areas across the network will be improved as will resilience to extreme weather events.

More than $400 million dollars will be spent of digital systems, which will maintain core services and improve responsiveness to extreme weather events.

Ms Eddy said the investments were subject to the Australian Energy Regulator approving AusNet’s Electricity Distribution Price Review proposal.

“AusNet’s proposal is currently being reviewed by the AER, which will publish its draft decision in September this year,” she said.

“We will then have an opportunity to submit a revised, final proposal before the AER makes its final decision and the new regulatory arrangements take effect on 1 July 2026.”