The winners of the 2022 Energy Networks Australia Industry Awards have been announced at the Energy Networks Australia Annual Dinner in Melbourne.
The Awards’ three major categories recognised exceptional contributions to the network sector, leadership in the development of new innovations and outstanding initiatives in consumer engagement.
Industry Contribution Award
The 2022 Industry Contribution Award was won by Laurie Curro from Horizon Power in Western Australia. Mr Curro was recognised for his contribution and commitment to the energy industry, in particular power transmission and distribution in Western Australia for over 30 years.
The Industry Contribution Award recognises exceptional individual contributions for activities or other initiatives undertaken on behalf of the network sector by a member of an ENA Committee.
Mr Curro made an outstanding contribution to the development and operation of the Southwest Interconnected System (with Western Power) and regional networks (with Horizon Power). Mr Curro was also a member of ENA’s Asset Management Committee for many years, contributing to smart grid development, standards, distributed generation, network management, safety, and asset management.
Photo: Laurie Curro. Energy Networks Australia.
Industry Innovation Award
The 2022 Industry Innovation Award winner is Endeavour Energy for its entry Using a Network Digital Twin for Digital Emergency Response and Resilience.
The Energy Network Industry Innovation Award recognises leadership in the design, development and application of a ground-breaking Australian energy network initiative, technology, service or solution.
The flood modelling within Endeavour’s network Digital Twin provides a virtual flood overlay across the modelled 3D network. This innovation has been leveraged to improve public safety and restoration response times to several floods in the Hawkesbury region over 2021-2022.
It was used to model flood extents using near real-time river levels to obtain clearance levels of mains to flood waters and network assets and premises likely impacted by water. This was supported with an inspection app bringing back real-time information digitally from the field to expedite restoration and improve coordination between teams and partners.
A webinar will be held on Wednesday 12 October at 2pm AEST for the four finalists to present their projects and learnings.
Endeavour Energy – Using a Network Digital Twin for Digital Emergency Response and Resilience
Energy Queensland – EV SmartCharge Queensland – research program drives network benefits
Essential Energy – evolve DER project
Transgrid – Use of SmartValve technology for the delivery of the Victoria-New South Wales Interconnector (VNI) Minor
Consumer Engagement Award
The 2022 Consumer Engagement Award winners are AGN, AusNet Services and MGN, for their joint nomination Three Businesses, One Engagement Program for Victorians.
The Consumer Engagement award, presented in partnership with Energy Consumers Australia, recognises an Australian energy network business that demonstrates outstanding leadership in consumer engagement.
AGN, AusNet and MGN came together to design and deliver a single, integrated, statewide consumer and stakeholder engagement program for the benefit of all Victorians.
The joint engagement program was designed to inform and shape the submission of final plans to the AER on 1 July 2022, engaging with Victorians on gas services and prices today, and importantly on the future of gas.
A webinar will be held on Tuesday 18 October at 2pm AEST for the four finalists to present their projects and learnings.
AGN, AusNet Services and MGN – Three Businesses, One Engagement Program for Victorians
Endeavour Energy – Community Engagement Beyond a Bushfire
Essential Energy – Customer Journey Mapping
Western Power – Access Arrangement 5 – Community Engagement Program
