Essential Energy

Regional NSW is at the centre of the energy transition, but success depends on more than new generation. It requires certainty: reliable networks, the right infrastructure and a skilled workforce, creating lasting jobs and economic growth where the energy is built. That was the focus of the Business NSW - New England North West Future Energy Forum, held in Armidale yesterday, which brought together local government, business and community leaders to discuss what the transition means in practice for the region. Our CEO John Cleland spoke about the current realities of NSW’s energy system, the direction of the transition, and our ongoing investment in the infrastructure and capability needed to support it. He also highlighted the role of the Essential Energy Training Academy, in building a skilled, future‑ready workforce, ensuring regional communities are well positioned to benefit. Our Industry Skills and Learning Manager, Clinton Duffy, also joined a panel discussion, sharing business insights on workforce development and capability in a changing energy landscape. Thank you to the organisers, panellists and audiences. Photo: Chris Sheppeard, John Cleland, Kate Wood-Foye and Theresa French #CareerGrowth #TrainingAcademy #EnergyTransition

Technology, automation, flexible work and remote learning have changed how women develop their careers, but the reasons women stay with an employer may not have changed all that much. We’re lucky to have many women who’ve built long careers with us, some spanning decades. Their stories speak less about titles or programs, and more about feeling supported to grow, being trusted to adapt, and working alongside people who genuinely care. Supporting women at work isn’t just about flexibility. It’s about culture, encouragement, and creating space to learn and evolve over time. That includes access to coaching, mentoring and education while on the job. It’s meaningful to see this reflected externally too, with WORK180 recently recognising us as a Top 5 employer in Australia for career development. Thanks for this recognition and to our many staff who work tirelessly to bring our women the best opportunities to thrive. To learn about these rankings and results visit: https://bit.ly/41Eb6jm Photo: Community Relations Trainee Tara Poss with Customer Service Trainee, Brooke Smith

Operating high loads near powerlines and electricity infrastructure carries serious risk for drivers, crews and the communities around them. If you work in transport, logistics or manage oversized vehicle operations, this free webinar will step through the key safety considerations when operating near the electricity network. We’ll cover how to plan ahead, the tools and resources available to you, risk controls, and your obligations for oversized loads, including required approvals. We’ll also outline what to do in the event of an incident. Registrations: https://bit.ly/4s92MUf 📅 Wednesday 1 April 2026 🕚 11.00am–12.00pm 🎥 Free, live webinar

How regional NSW navigates the energy transition will shape its economic future. Later this month, industry, government and regional leaders will come together at the New England North West Future Energy Forum 2026, hosted by Business NSW - New England North West, to examine how the region can manage change while supporting long‑term economic resilience. As part of the forum, our CEO John Cleland, will provide an overview of NSW’s energy transition covering current system realities, future direction and the network investment supporting business certainty across regional NSW. The session highlights New England North West’s role as a growing centre of energy opportunity, with updates on The Energy Charter andour new Essential Energy Training Academy. We will also contribute to “What the Energy Transition Means for Business”, with Clinton Duffy, Industry Skills and Learning Manager, Training Academy, joining the panel to discuss practical implications for regional businesses. With major change underway through the New England Renewable Energy Zone, the forum will explore the balance between energy security, renewable expansion, workforce readiness and regional growth. 📍 Armidale 📅 Monday 30 March, 10.30am–2.00pm 🎟 Hosted by Business NSW New England North West #EnergyTransition #RegionalNSW #EnergySecurity

Last week, we were proud to be part of the Business NSW Future of Business Technology Summit, with more than 150 business, industry and technology leaders in the room exploring how AI is shaping the future of work. Our Head of Employee Experience, Hanlie Oosthuizen, spoke about how we’re implementing AI across the business. Hanlie focused on responsible adoption, strong governance and, importantly, how we’re upskilling employees living and working across regional NSW. We also showcased how digital tools like our digital twin are helping us plan, maintain and operate the electricity network more safely and efficiently. Thanks to Business NSW for hosting an insightful event and bringing together such a strong mix of voices from across industry. #ResponsibleAI #DigitalTransformation #RegionalNSW Photo 1 (L-R) – Hanlie Oosthuizen, Karyn Looby (GIAP2), Gillian Mason, Damien Lloyd, Andrew Laing, Dave Mazaris Photo 2 – Hanlie Oosthuizen on stage Photo 3 – Gillian Mason and Karyn Looby Photo 4 – (L-R) Rod Barnaby, Business NSW Regional Director Mid North Coast, Hanlie Oosthuizen and Adam Spencer Photo 5 - The Essential Energy team enjoying the discussions

Essential Energy is reaffirming its commitment to showcasing real work opportunities for students across regional NSW. Through our partnership with the NSW Government’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program, we’re giving young people hands-on exposure to trade roles and clearer insight into career pathways in the energy sector. Early exposure matters – but so does what comes next. The Essential Energy Training Academy, launching later this year, will play a vital role in strengthening the skills pipeline by delivering specialised training across the industry and expanding access to opportunities closer to home. Together, these programs are helping build the workforce needed to support the energy transition and regional communities. #EssentialEnergy #FutureWorkforce #RegionalNSW #Trades #TrainingAcademy Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4bt72Z8 Sarah McCullough Kate Wood-Foye Clint Duffy

Our Crew Resource Management (CRM) training recently took to the sky, with teams from Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Parkes, Condobolin, West Wyalong and Hillston taking part in aerial patrol training. The training focused on building strong communication, situational awareness and safety skills for the occasions when helicopters are used to identify faults or assess damage across our electricity network. A bird’s‑eye view can provide critical visibility over long distances, helping crews quickly pinpoint issues that may not be easily seen from the ground particularly in remote or hard‑to‑access areas. Thank you to Aerotech and Orange Helicopters for supporting our teams to apply their training in a practical setting. #Safety #EmergencyResponse #RegionalNSW

Regional growth depends on innovation, growth strategies, digital connectivity and practical insights for new and existing businesses owners. Across our region we're seeing transformations with an increased effort to implement sustainable energy choices. The Building Future‑Ready Business in the Northern Rivers Roadshow, was a great chance for us to continue conversations about the opportunities that are available to future-proof business and plan together. Our Head of Community Relations, Mitch Hume, alongside Matthew James, Senior Engineer, and Charlie Cull, Senior Electrification Channel Specialist, shared insights on how electrification, infrastructure and emerging technologies are shaping future opportunities for the region. Thank you to Regional Development Australia – Northern Rivers and industry partners for sharing this opportunity to support businesses as they prepare for what’s next. 📸 Pictured (left to right): Rowena Ryan (AusIndustry), Matthew James (Essential Energy), Brad Donnan (Industry Capability Network), Chris Simon (nbn®), Andrew Vidler (NorthernRivers.tech) and Anthony Schreenan (RDA Northern Rivers).

History has shown us that severe weather can strike anywhere, at any time of year. Keeping our network as safe and as reliable as possible during these events is a year‑round priority. Alongside this, we prepare robust contingency plans for those moments when weather conditions prevail. During crisis and emergency events, our Community Relations team plays a critical role on the ground. They establish temporary community hubs to provide face‑to‑face support. These hubs offer vital outage and restoration information, reconnection processes, safety advice, and access to temporary power services, including places for people to recharge their mobile phones. They also serve as safe gathering points where communities can feel informed, supported and connected. In some situations, communities may be isolated from major centres or difficult to access due to extreme weather conditions. That’s where MERV, our new Major Event Response Vehicle, comes in, helping us mobilise quickly and extend our reach when it matters most. MERV is a powerful asset for a team that works tirelessly across regional, rural and remote NSW, ensuring no community is left without support. Photo: Some members of our Community Relations Team: Tara Poss, Rebecca Jones, Karen Murphy, Vanessa Lawrence and Raelene Myers #CommunitySupport #CommunityRelations #RegionalNSW

Access to EV charging shouldn’t depend on your postcode, which is why we’re working to address gaps in regional NSW. Through our Plug and Play program, we're aiming to lower the cost and complexity of enabling public EV charging in regional, rural and remote communities - using existing network infrastructure to help attract private investment where markets haven’t yet emerged. The proposed trial, partially funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), would enable us to maintain charging‑ready infrastructure, while private operators deliver the retail charging services. The program is subject to an application for a ring‑fencing waiver to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to support the proposed trial using composite pole streetlights. Increased EV capabilities in regional NSW will support communities, motoring tourism and the energy transition. Media release: https://bit.ly/4lysEGL #EVCharging #RegionalNSW #EnergyTransition #Infrastructure #ARENA