Power Innovation Pathway Day sparks collaboration on electricity innovation and regulation

The Electricity Authority brought innovators, regulators and industry under one roof this week for the Power Innovation Pathway Day. The event aimed to identify the key regulatory barriers hindering innovation within the electricity sector and collaboratively explore potential solutions.

The morning included presentations from innovators benefiting from enhanced regulatory support from the Pathway. These companies are using new thinking and technologies to make it easier and more affordable for consumers to electrify and manage their own electricity use.

We heard about the practical challenges and opportunities associated with bringing these novel ideas to market within the existing regulatory landscape.

The afternoon transitioned into practical workshops, where participants brainstormed solutions to three key themes:

• Enabling flexibility: non-traditional solutions for security and affordability
• Risky business: markets and competition
• Empowering consumers: local solutions for local challenges

These focused discussions provided a platform for open dialogue between innovators navigating regulatory hurdles, industry players adapting to a rapidly evolving energy landscape, and the Authority itself, responsible for shaping the regulatory framework.

"We were delighted to witness such strong collaboration and genuine engagement throughout the day," said Chief Executive Sarah Gillies.

"Bringing together diverse perspectives is crucial to reducing regulatory barriers for all electricity market participants and unlocking the full potential of innovation in the energy sector for the benefit of consumers."

The Authority would like to thank all those who presented and participated. We look forward to publishing an insights report with case studies and the key takeaways.

The Power Innovation Pathway Day marks the Authority’s commitment to a more agile and responsive regulatory environment that actively supports innovation that delivers benefits to consumers. We continue to welcome applications to the Power Innovation Pathway for regulatory support and advice.