Why electricity networks need to understand people, not just poles and wires, to avoid costly grid upgrades

Why electricity networks need to understand people, not just poles and wires, to avoid costly grid upgrades

July 6, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

Colin Crisafulli discusses the importance of understanding customer behaviour in managing electricity networks and avoiding costly grid upgrades.

For years we've been told that widespread electrification could overwhelm Australia's electricity networks. But midway through the Electrify 2515 trial, Endeavour Energy, the project’s network distributor, says the biggest influence on the grid is customer behaviour – when and how customers use their electrical appliances. General Manager of Future Grid and Asset Management Colin Crisafulli explains why we won’t need to double grid infrastructure even if we double the amount of electricity we use, and why managing just a handful of peak demand days each year is what really drives network investment. He argues that networks need to develop products, tariffs and services that genuinely deliver value for customers if they want households to embrace more flexible energy use.

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Guest: Colin Crisafulli

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Organizations: Endeavour Energy

Places: Australia

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