Sustainable Grid & Energy Solutions Working Group
The Sustainable Grid and Energy Solutions Working Group supports the Energy Queensland Customer and Community Council. Together, they guide decisions that support a safe, reliable, and sustainable energy system for Queensland.
This Working Group focuses on topics linked to sustainable energy solutions and grid development for Ergon Energy Network and Energex. Members discuss current and future challenges in the energy industry.
The role and scope of this Working Group are outlined in the Energy Queensland Customer and Stakeholder Engagement Framework (PDF 5.3 mb).
Working group scope
Below is a list of topics and issues in scope for the Sustainable Grid and Energy Solutions Working Group:
- Distribution System Operator (DSO)
- Energy transition planning and strategy
- Strategic Forecasting (including annual forecast report)
- Demand and energy management - strategy, programs, initiatives including the Demand Management Innovation Allowance (DMIA) and the annual Demand Management Report
- Customer Energy Resources (CER)
- Renewables grid integration - including large-scale battery storage and virtual power plant (VPP) initiatives
- Electric vehicle growth - analysis and implications
- Digital transformation and smart grid technologies to deliver reliable data-driven and customer-centric energy solutions
- Low Carbon Future/Decarbonisation - regulations, initiatives and programs
- Isolated Network Strategy
- Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM)
Members
Working group members bring a mix of community, industry, regulatory and technical experience. Together, they represent diverse customer perspectives from across Queensland.
Kaneya Poudal
Engagement and Policy Lead, First Nations Clean Energy Network
The First Nations Clean Energy Network is led by First Nations people. It supports First Nations communities to take part in and benefit from clean energy projects.
Estella Rodighiero
Chief Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia – Gold Coast
Regional Development Australia (RDA) works with governments, industry, and communities to support regional growth.
Neil Horrocks
Independent Member
Neil has over 30 years of experience in the energy industry. He works on new ways to support customer participation and innovation in the energy system.
Sue Sheppard
Independent Member
Sue works at TAFE Queensland and has many years of experience in the electrical and training sectors. She is passionate about skills development and supporting women in trades.
Mark Purcell
Independent Member
Mark is an electrical engineer and systems strategist. He supports a fair energy transition that helps customers take part in and benefit from new energy technologies.
Emily Gadaleta
Senior Energy Policy Advisor, Tesla
Emily works in energy policy and focuses on changes in residential energy and customer energy resources. She brings experience from both industry and policy roles.
Governance and framework documents
- Energy Queensland Customer and Stakeholder Engagement Framework (PDF 5.3 mb)
- Terms of Reference Energy Queensland Customer and Community Council 2025 (PDF 317.4 kb)
Related pages
- Energy Queensland Customer and Community Council
- Asset Management, Planning & Resilience Working Group
- Customer Service & Experience Working Group
- Network Pricing Working Group
- Ergon Energy Retail Working Group
Contact us
If you require further information on our Customer & Community Council and associated Working Groups, please email customeradvocacy@energyq.com.au.