“Prosumers” driving a new era of residential energy consumption
“Prosumers” driving a new era of residential energy consumption – Source: Pexels
  • Individuals that both produce and consume resources will change the way household energy is managed
  • The energy industry and government must work together
  • The rise of solar and electric vehicles is adding to the mix

With rising energy costs impacting household budgets across the country, “prosumers” are likely to take a more active approach to managing energy consumption according to an expert.

Vice President of Clipsal by Schneider Electric, Chris Kerr said prosumers, individuals that both produce and consume resources, are going to change the way energy is managed.

He said, “Prosumers are driving the emergence of a new era of residential energy consumption in Australia, in response to rising energy prices and environmental concerns. This emerging market has the potential to reshape homes of the future and it has already started, but prosumers need help.”

Kerr said that according to the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources, households accounted for 43% of all energy usage in 2019.

Solar to play a larger role

He said that by producing their own energy and electrifying their homes, prosumers will change this mix with the help of solar and smart technology.

According to Kerr, prosumers often face challenges in navigating the complex and constantly evolving energy market, with information overload, lack of trust in energy suppliers, data safety concerns, changing policies, and the speed of perceived tech obsolescence all holding potential prosumers back.

He said the energy industry and government must work together to educate citizens and support them to create their own energy ecosystems.

“Electricians can step in and be the trusted guide they need.”

Kerr said that the energy management system is the clear entry point for the ‘prosumer home of the future.’

“It will act as a central hub linked to solar panels and batteries, including one or more electric vehicles (EVs). These technologies are already here and growing in popularity.”

By the end of 2020, solar panels were fitted to 32.3% of detached homes in Australia, according to Kerr.

He also said that the rise in popularity of EVs is contributing to the prosumer movement.

“According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), electric vehicle sales in Australia in January 2023 increased by 360% compared to the previous year. This trend is expected to continue as more affordable models enter the market and the charging infrastructure improves.”

“While challenges remain for prosumers, they are also driving innovation and change, with new technologies and business models emerging to meet their needs.”




You May Also Like

Melbourne property market sees mom and dad builders flock to outer suburbs for the best bang for buck

The cost of building a house in these top 20 suburbs started at $272,944 and topped out at $387,688.

Australian rental market clocks in a near-40% price growth, while wages struggle to keep up

Rents soared by almost 40% across the pandemic, while wages barely clocked in 20% growth.

Gender gap closes? Women outpace men in overall property ownership

Challenges persist for younger women in achieving homeownership, highlighting the need for targeted solutions.

Exclusive: Top five regional New South Wales housing markets revealed, the affordable alternatives to Sydney

Hotspotting has exclusively revealed to TPT New South Wales housing market’s five best regional hotspots for homebuyers and investors.

Experts Corner by The Property Tribune

Ko & NPA partner to launch several co-owned luxury properties at Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast

Ko's partnership with NPA Projects provides more opportunities to co-own off-the-plan holiday residences, including exclusive Gold Coast properties

Continue reading

Top Articles

Perth property market: The definitive guide to buying a modular home

Modular homes, misunderstood as inferior, offer efficient, durable alternatives to traditional construction methods.

The 50 square metre solution getting people into their first homes and delivering an answer to ...

Small, modular homes could be a key part of the broader solution to Western Australia's current housing challenges.

The hardest time ever to buy a house in Australia: How Australian home buying got ...

We're currently in a buyer's market, but that doesn't mean Australian house prices are crashing.