Ausgrid Wins the 2025 Energy Networks Consumer Engagement Award

Ausgrid has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Consumer Engagement Award, presented annually by Energy Networks Australia in partnership with Energy Consumers Australia.

According to the award announcement, Ausgrid was recognised for its Wonnarua/Wanaruah Community Energy Strategy, developed together with Indigenous Energy Australia and the Wanaruah/Wonnarua peoples. The Strategy focuses on “shaping a cultural, environmental and social legacy for future developments in the region,” with a strong emphasis on enabling First Nations leadership and partnership in renewable energy planning.

The judging panel noted the Strategy’s “ground-breaking” approach and its potential to act as a model within the sector. Energy Networks Australia Chief Executive Dominique van den Berg said, “Ausgrid’s work with the Wanaruah/Wonnarua people shows what can be achieved when networks partner in a way that is genuine, respectful and enduring”.

Energy Consumers Australia CEO Dr Brendan French said, “The Community Energy Strategy shows exactly how to achieve this through respectful and inclusive partnership and collaboration”.

Ausgrid also received the 2025 Industry Innovation Award for its “Discover, Design, Deliver” framework — a consumer-centred community engagement model now used across its operations.

For engagement practitioners, Ausgrid’s recognition highlights the growing importance of deep, partnership-based engagement, particularly where energy transition intersects with cultural, social and place-based values.