The Queensland Household Energy Survey, starting 9 November 2017, will give Queenslanders the opportunity to provide their views on energy usage, appliance saturation and energy efficient behaviours.
The survey will target more than 3,500 residents from different demographics and parts of the state to gather information on energy use, awareness and intentions, as well as current and forecast trends regarding electrical equipment in homes.
Powerlink Chief Executive, Merryn York, said the 2017 survey will provide an invaluable snapshot of energy demands and assist with electricity network planning in the short and long term.
“Conducted annually since 2009, information collected from the Queensland Household Energy Survey is used to help Powerlink and Ergon Energy and Energex as part of the Energy Queensland Group assess energy use behaviours and plan for future electricity needs,” Ms York said.
“The way we access and use energy in Queensland is undergoing a transformational change with the rise of renewable energy and the adoption of new technology like battery storage.
“One of the key results from last year’s survey was the jump in awareness levels of battery storage, with 62 per cent of regional and 56 per cent of south east Queensland respondents aware of battery storage, compared to just 38 and 31 per cent respectively in 2013.”
Ms York said 2016’s survey flagged that 50 per cent of Queenslanders would consider an electric vehicle when purchasing a new car in the next two years.
“Historical data from the survey helps us better understand consumer trends, lifestyle and technology factors that impact the power network, and more accurately plan for and manage energy, particularly during times of peak demand, now and in the future,” Ms York said.
“These insights help us to deliver our services in a way that better meets consumer needs.”
Energy Queensland Chief Executive Officer, David Smales, said the annual Queensland survey provided valuable information to a wide range of interested and influential parties, including energy consumers and consumer advocacy groups.
“Participation in the voluntary survey is encouraged as we need as many people as possible to complete it in order for Energy Queensland and Powerlink to ensure that we deliver balanced outcomes for our customers, communities and other key stakeholders alike,” Mr Smales said.
“We also need to know people’s levels of interest in emerging technologies, such as storage and energy management systems, and therefore the overall opportunities they present to Queensland’s communities and customers.”
Colmar Brunton will conduct the survey on behalf of Powerlink and Energy Queensland, and the Queensland Household Energy Survey will run until early December 2017.
