During the year, 13 new large-scale¹ renewable energy generation facilities were connected to the Essential Energy network. Combined, they added 65MW of renewable generation capacity connected to the Essential Energy network. Three of the facilities also have Battery Energy Storage Systems.

In total, 69 large-scale renewable facilities, with 1.56GW of generation capacity, are connected to the network (at 30 June 2025).

During the year, a network-wide study identified 85 high-potential electrification sites, including high-energy users such as breweries, dairy facilities, abattoirs and food processors – aligned to government decarbonisation priorities.

We engaged over 25 large customers on plans and constraints, modelled network impacts from fuel-switching, and advanced tariff innovation and dynamic access to network capacity to support higher network utilisation and incentivise off-peak electrification. With several customers, we tested the business case for electric thermal energy storage (thermal batteries) that use spare local capacity to avoid augmentation, supported by flexible-load tariffs.

As a result, a trial is underway to install a large thermal battery under our AER approved large flexible-load tariff (approved on 1 July) with a high-voltage dynamic connection agreement. We continue to codesign solutions that cut emissions, improve affordability and unlock long-term demand.

Stand Alone Power Systems (SAPS) provide a safe, reliable and efficient energy solution for customers in remote locations. For those located at the end of long powerlines in remote locations, SAPS offer a costeffective alternative to traditional network supply, providing dependable and improved electricity services without the need for poles and wires. For eligible customers, Essential Energy installs, maintains and operates these systems at no additional cost.

As of June 2025, four SAPS are operational. Construction is ready to commence at three sites, detailed designs have been completed for nine new SAPS, and 23 additional systems are in the investment pipeline for deployment within the next two years.

Beyond improving reliability for remote customers, SAPS also reduce long-term network maintenance costs and bushfire risk. These systems support a more sustainable and resilient network and align with Essential Energy’s strategy to modernise infrastructure and enable tailored, community-focused energy solutions.

Essential Energy is transitioning to composite poles for all new and replacement installations, with more than 55,000 composite poles to be supplied between 2024 and 2029. Compared to timber poles, these locally sourced poles are lighter, non‑conductive, and resistant to rot, termites, corrosion and fire, making them ideal for bushfire-prone areas. Approximately 13,000 composite poles are already in service, and we are also proactively replacing 11,000 timber poles in high bushfire risk zones over the next five years, supporting network resilience.

Essential Energy continues to respond to growing demand for safe, fast and resilient telecommunications by unlocking the full potential of our infrastructure. This includes leveraging the 170 radio and telecommunications sites across our network.

We are supporting the next phase of 5G rollout by identifying 750 suitable sites across our network for small-cell deployment. Stakeholder engagement has helped accelerate site selection and delivery in high-demand areas.

Through agreements with major carriers, we’re progressing land lease opportunities to eliminate mobile black spots and improve service coverage. These partnerships are also helping advance digital equity across our network area.