From ambition to action: a wrap of the EEC National Conference 2025
The EEC National Conference 2025 brought together more than 450 energy leaders, policymakers, industry experts, researchers, government and community advocates to explore how Australia’s demand-side solutions are shaping the energy transition.
Held over two days in Melbourne, the Conference moved between big picture ideas and the practical work already happening — or that still needs to happen — on the ground. An incredible array of speakers and panellists focused on how we can achievably accelerate the clean energy transition, support efficient electrification at scale, and harness flexibility and technology – all the while ensuring the transition is grounded in practical solutions that meet the needs of households, businesses and the broader energy system.
We’ve captured the highlights from two days focused on efficiency, electrification and decarbonisation. It's not the same as having been there, as those in the room would know – but we hope you get a good sense of the breadth and impact of demand-side solutions to supporting the energy transition and achieving net zero.
Before we dive in, a big thanks to all Conference Partners, particularly our Major Partner, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Solar Victoria and the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program, and Diamond Partners ANZ and MAC Trade Services.
Day 1: Big picture plenaries
Victoria’s Minister for Climate Action, the Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP,opened the Conference with a clear message: “People want us to get on with the transition.” She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to energy efficiency and electrification, noting in her conversation with Luke Menzel “gone are the days when no one cared too much…about how their home was insulated and built,” and highlighting upcoming improvements to the VEU program to better serve businesses.
Former White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi delivered the international keynote, remarking on the opportunities in Australia: “There’s so much tailwind [here in Australia] behind the efforts of boosting the efficiency of your system, electrifying your economy… and bending the curve on emissions.” Zaidi had the attendees feeling bolstered as he emphasised the importance of flexibility, shared incentives, and focus on momentum: “What excites me about this group is the spirit with which you’re going after solutions.”
Zaidi joined a panel with Alison Reeve, Adam Morton and Tennant Reed on the politics of 2025 and what it means for energy management . The panellists discussed how shifting global dynamics and political mandates in various contexts could reshape decarbonisation efforts in Australia, and the importance of bipartisan support and policy durability to what will come next.
After a break for morning team, the EEC’s Jeremy Sung chaired a panel supported by RACE for 2030 and including Associate Professor Tim Nelson AM, Elizabeth Molyneux, Dr Bill Lilley and Kate Wild. These energy market experts and leaders spoke to the need for more inclusive pricing structures, systematic implementation frameworks, and long-term stability. Kate Wild used a memorable Blockbuster-to-Netflix analogy to explain the transition toward two-sided energy markets where consumers become active participants rather than passive recipients.
In the afternoon, attendees heard about the practical realities of shifting homes and businesses away from gas. Supported by AGL, the session featured panellists Dr Ron Ben-David, Damian Sullivan, Wei Sue and Ruchika Deora, who covered everything from regulation and incentives to customer support and appliances upgrades. The discussion reinforced the importance of equity, transparency and clear customer journeys in unlocking the significant savings possible when switching to electric.
We continued to zoom in on electrification in the next session, supported by MAC Trade Services, which showcased emerging models for home electrification at scale. James Brown, Katherine McConnell, and James Christie shared what’s possible when Home Energy Management Systems and integrated platforms are automated and built on trust, illustrated through pilots like Electrify 2515 and Energy Masters.
Day 1 wrapped up with Anthea Middleton from Powering Skills Organisation, the Energising Women Partner, presenting insights from their report Shifting Currents: Elevating Diversity in Energy Careers. Anthea joined Amy Hunt, Katie Brown and Kit McMahon for a powerful discussion on attracting, retaining and empowering women in energy.Each shared their varied perspectives and lived experience to highlight what’s needed to build a more inclusive and empowered energy workforce.
Many attendees stuck around for the Gala Dinner, supported by Siemens, to celebrate and recognise the work of the EEC Award winners.
Day 2: Grounded solutions
Attendees returned for the second day with the promise of an agenda that would dive deeper into the products, solutions, services, programs and technology that make efficiency, electrification and decarbonisation possible.
The day started with a panel of policy leaders from many jurisdictions, including Stan Krpan, Gill Goldsmith, Clare McLaughlin, Ric Brazzale, and Jeremy Sung, who spoke about collaboration efforts across government to build confidence, scale programs and support households to electrify.
Christina Tonkin and Katrina Edillor joined Luke on stage for the launch of the ANZ and EEC flagship report Putting Energy Efficiency to Work at Home. While attendees studied the report at their tables, Katrina outlined the definitions, case studies and actionable advice included in the report – which aims to empower more customers to make informed choices while navigating financial products and climate strategies.
The Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, joined Luke to discuss the government’s ambition to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific, and how sector plans and demand-side action will underpin the Federal Government’s approach to emissions reduction. On setting targets, Minister Bowen noted: “A target needs to be ambitious and achievable. Ambition means it has to push the country… achievable means it’s doable. A target without both is a cop out.”
Unbothered by the Minister running into morning tea, attendees split into stream sessions for immersive discussion.
In the Rules of the load supported by Enel X, panellists explored how to unlock flexible demand at scale - from Energy Queensland’s targets to Enel X’s industry projections. Alister Alford, Craig Memery, Candice Hincksman, Regan Jolly, and Jeremy Sung discussed the roles and incentives across the market, from VPPs to aggregators, and what works for households, SMEs and large energy users.
In a Match made in heaven , supported by Alexander Watson, panellists discussed the perfect pairing of thermal envelope upgrades with appliance electrification. In between jokes, Dr Gill Armstrong, Jeremy Watson, Sami Zheng, Dr David Perry and Rachael Wilkinson underlined the importance of planning ahead, building workforce capability, and supporting households to make cost-effective decisions that deliver long-term health and emissions benefits.
The Electric frontier , featuring Brendan Vos, Vanessa Graham, Francesca Muskovic, Krista Milne, Carlos Flores and Rob McLeod, explored the technical and policy pathways to required to decarbonise the built environment. From refrigerant phase-outs to demand for sustainable office space, one message was clear: electrification needs long-term planning and quality data — it’s no good just waiting for the boiler to fail.
After lunch, sessions continued with a practical and on the ground focus. Large-scale decarbonisation – part of the Industrial Revolution - was on the agenda for Karen Brown, Dr Tessa Leach, Ian Askell, Jonathan Jutsen, and Jeremy Sung, who traversed fossil fuel data visibility to precinct planning in regional transitions, and public-private alignment. All agreed that while this area is complex, it’s solvable through collaboration, investment, and smarter data.
Efficient, smart and flexible appliances - from air conditioning to water heaters — was the order of the day for Scott Ostini, Tim Moore, Preshit Fadnis, Carlita Warren, and Rachael Wilkinson in Get Smart, supported by Rheem. The panellists discussed progress on Australian and international interoperability standards, the importance of consumer protections, and the need for collaboration between manufacturers, networks, and regulators. The panel emphasised that everyone has a role to play in ensuring seamless interconnectivity between appliances, home energy management systems, and the grid. Australia has at times been a leader in setting international standards, and there are clear opportunities to continue that leadership in this emerging space.
In Think Global, act local, attendees heard about the critical role of local governments in electrification and decarbonisation. Lloyd Heathfield, Francis Vierboom, Dr Paris Hadfield, Donna Luckman, and Rob McLeod explored how local governments can leverage trusted relationships and community reach to scale up household action. From information campaigns to delivery partnerships and demonstration projects, the session highlighted the power of local leadership and the importance of funding, capability building, and coordination across all levels of government.
Finally, attendees came together once more for the final plenary supported by Sense. Approaching the topic of AI for energy efficiency with a shark tank, pitch style presentation, Frank Zeichner, Professor Flora Salim, Dr Hao Wang and Dave Johnson highlighted the burgeoning opportunities to drive smarter, more responsive, and human/user centred experiences of this technology through real-world use cases, while also acknowledging the need to address AI’s impact on energy and water usage.
EEC President, Merrily Hunter, closed the EEC National Conference 2025 with a message of momentum - the work ahead is urgent and complex — but this community is ready. Delegates were invited to plug into the spaces that will drive change, share their insights, and shape the next chapter in Australia’s energy transition and net zero journey.