Consumer Energy Resources sub-Working Group

The interjurisdictional Consumer Energy Resources sub-Working Group (CERSWG) delivers advice and measures to support the integration of consumer energy resources into electricity markets and networks to benefit the system and provide increased value to consumers.

Consumer energy resources (CER) are consumers’ resources that generate or store electricity and includes flexible loads that can alter demand in response to external signals. CER includes:

• rooftop solar
• batteries
• electric vehicle chargers
• controlled loads such as water heaters and air conditioners.

Distributed energy resources (DER) is sometimes used to describe CER, but also includes larger assets such as community batteries installed in the distribution network.

The CERSWG will coordinate and/or deliver projects that progress the integration of CER including:

• developing the frameworks and mechanisms necessary to support the widespread adoption of CER, increase opportunities for consumers to benefit, and to support reliability and security of the electricity system
• consideration of equity matters related to access to consumer energy resources.

National Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Roadmap: Powering Decarbonised Homes and Communities

At the request of the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council (ECMC), the CERSWG developed the National Consumer Energy Resources Roadmap (the Roadmap) to deliver national reforms for efficient and effective CER integration that will unlock consumer benefits for all consumers and the system as a whole. On 19 July 2024, ECMC endorsed the Roadmap including the specific measures and timelines in its implementation plan. 

The Roadmap recognises that consumers and their CER are a key driver of the renewable energy transition. It outlines how governments will work to enable CER’s potential to lower bills, improve reliability, and cut network costs by reducing the need for grid-scale investment. The Roadmap is a first step to enable billions of dollars in savings and benefits, along with new consumer protections.

CERSWG reports and publications

Read more

National Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Roadmap: Powering Decarbonised Homes and Communities

Energy Security Board report: Consumer energy resources and the transformation of the NEM