Enabling Clean Energy

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At SA Power Networks, we are passionate about empowering South Australia’s distributed energy transition.

Click below to listen to Brendon Hampton, Head of Network Strategy, as talks about our theme of enabling clean energy and how collaboration is key for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for South Australians now, and for the generations to come.


Nowhere in the world is the transition to a decarbonised electricity system being led by customers as it is in Australia. South Australia is at the forefront of this transition, with the highest uptake in rooftop solar per capita in the nation and with more than 60% of the State’s energy needs met by renewables in 2020. Our Reset Theme of clean energy focuses on understanding what really matters to our customers, such as the level of investment to enable an uptake in solar, batteries, and renewables.

We are also keen to explore how our fleet and shift to electric vehicles could play a role, and how technology and data can improve our systems and services.

As South Australia’s electricity distribution network operator, SA Power Networks’ role is changing as the grid evolves into an increasingly distributed, two-way energy system. We are developing innovative solutions to help manage our network, enable more solar, and facilitate new energy services, while also making sure we continue to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable network.

Click here to view the copy of Brendon's presentation from our Regional engagement workshops, where he talks about the theme of enabling a clean energy future and unlocking future value for our state.

Join the conversation (now closed)

  • Read comments in our Guestbook and online Q&A below

At SA Power Networks, we are passionate about empowering South Australia’s distributed energy transition.

Click below to listen to Brendon Hampton, Head of Network Strategy, as talks about our theme of enabling clean energy and how collaboration is key for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for South Australians now, and for the generations to come.


Nowhere in the world is the transition to a decarbonised electricity system being led by customers as it is in Australia. South Australia is at the forefront of this transition, with the highest uptake in rooftop solar per capita in the nation and with more than 60% of the State’s energy needs met by renewables in 2020. Our Reset Theme of clean energy focuses on understanding what really matters to our customers, such as the level of investment to enable an uptake in solar, batteries, and renewables.

We are also keen to explore how our fleet and shift to electric vehicles could play a role, and how technology and data can improve our systems and services.

As South Australia’s electricity distribution network operator, SA Power Networks’ role is changing as the grid evolves into an increasingly distributed, two-way energy system. We are developing innovative solutions to help manage our network, enable more solar, and facilitate new energy services, while also making sure we continue to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable network.

Click here to view the copy of Brendon's presentation from our Regional engagement workshops, where he talks about the theme of enabling a clean energy future and unlocking future value for our state.

Join the conversation (now closed)

  • Read comments in our Guestbook and online Q&A below
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Have a question you'd like to ask Brendon? Leave your question here for him to respond.

  • Share Why does not SAPN turn on our controlled load during the daytime so our own solar PV can power/part power this, and offset the power generated/used (at any moment) at no cost? on Facebook Share Why does not SAPN turn on our controlled load during the daytime so our own solar PV can power/part power this, and offset the power generated/used (at any moment) at no cost? on Twitter Share Why does not SAPN turn on our controlled load during the daytime so our own solar PV can power/part power this, and offset the power generated/used (at any moment) at no cost? on Linkedin Email Why does not SAPN turn on our controlled load during the daytime so our own solar PV can power/part power this, and offset the power generated/used (at any moment) at no cost? link

    Why does not SAPN turn on our controlled load during the daytime so our own solar PV can power/part power this, and offset the power generated/used (at any moment) at no cost?

    TimKI asked 8 months ago

    Hi and thanks for your question.

    Since December 2017, electricity Retailers are responsible for all new and replacement meter installations. These are smart meters and are able to have the off peak controlled load timing changed remotely by the retailer. In recent years, we have seen retailers proactively moving a significant amount of hot water load to the daytime. 

    SA Power Networks manages the fleet of legacy meters. The off-peak control load is operated by a timer at the customer’s site and we have no way to change it remotely. Retailers are in the process of progressively replacing all these old meters with smart meters. If the customer has an old meter they could talk to their retailer about a meter replacement, which would give access to a wider range of tariff options.

    If a customer would like to use their own solar to power their electric water heating then we recommend they speak with their electrician about installing a solar diverter and/or moving the water heater off of the Off Peak Controlled Load circuit. Whether this gives a cost saving will depend on the size of the customer’s solar system, their hot water use, and whether they are on a time-of-use tariff for their regular household load (meaning they could still heat their water at an off-peak rate on days when the sun isn’t shining)

Page last updated: 24 Aug 2023, 02:07 PM