The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) final decision to incentivise an influx of batteries into the market, announcing a new range of measures to ensure the energy sector remains innovative and competitive.

The reforms will see a major increase in battery reliance and will play a key role in decarbonising the nation in line with its climate commitments, as a direct result of the changes a major increase in the demand for skilled electrical work is predicted across the nation.

The AEMC changes will provide a range of benefits to battery users, including giving battery owning residential and small business customers access to revenue streams through aggregators, introducing a new participant category that allows more storage providers to enter the market and offering more flexibility to hybrid energy facilities looking to manage their electricity.

Importantly, the reforms do not alter network charges. This ensures that energy storage participants will be able to continue to negotiate transmission services and charges.

NECA chief executive Oliver Judd praises the changes as important steps toward modernising the nation’s energy market and has stated that NECA contractors are ready to move them forward: “These changes are exactly what are needed right now as we look toward an electrified future for Australia, it is important that incentives like these are introduced, which benefit homes and businesses alike.

“The electrical industry and its skilled workers are ready and well-equipped to provide the critical installation and maintenance work required to assist Australia along its battery reliant future.”

Details of the reforms can be found here.