A new consumer energy trends whitepaper by VisNet, part of EA Technology, shows that as more Australians adopt rooftop solar, batteries and electric vehicles, low-voltage networks are under increasing pressure to manage more dynamic and decentralised energy flows.
Based on more than 8000 respondents across Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, the whitepaper points to a shift from passive consumption to active participation in the energy system.
While home clean energy adoption is rising, so too is electricity demand. Around 70 per cent of respondents fall into medium to high usage categories, driven by air conditioning, home batteries and electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Australia stands out in the transition to clean energy. The reported research in the whitepaper shows 37 per cent of households have rooftop solar installed, with 73 per cent using their systems daily, reinforcing the growing role of distributed energy resources.
Across the three markets studied, 15 per cent of consumers use renewable energy through solar or green plans. Uptake is highest in Australia at 23 per cent, compared with 15 per cent in the United Kingdom and 7 per cent in New Zealand.
Across the three markets, cost remains the dominant concern. Rising electricity prices are cited by 68 per cent of respondents, followed by the cost of transitioning to renewables (34 per cent) and broader energy-related expenses (30 per cent). Concerns around extreme weather (29 per cent), reliability (26 per cent) and carbon footprint (20 per cent) are also emerging.
At the same time, electrification is intensifying demand. Across the three markets, more than 60 per cent of households own at least one high-energy appliance, and nearly half are considering an EV or e-bike within five years.
This combination of rising renewable generation and increasing demand presents a complex challenge for network operators.
Mark Sprawson, Chief Commercial Officer at EA Technology, corroborates that the role of distributions networks is evolving.
“Electricity distribution has now expanded beyond cables and substations,” he said.
“It’s about intelligence, adaptability, and responsiveness. Owners and operators of electricity networks need actionable intelligence in real time.”
Peak demand remains a key pressure point, with nearly half of consumers reporting highest usage between 5pm and 8pm. The report also highlights a mismatch between perceived and actual peak demand, underscoring the need for more precise, data-driven planning.
Ana Duran, Product Manager at VisNet, said data will be critical to managing this shift.
“Predictive analytics and behavioural insight will allow operators to plan smarter, invest better, and deliver resilient networks aligned with Australia’s net zero ambitions,” she said.
As Australia and other countries transition to clean home energy, VisNet’s whitepaper concludes that smarter networks will be essential to maximising renewable energy use while maintaining grid stability.
To read the full VisNet consumer trends whitepaper (2026), click here.
