Unlocking the benefits of new energy technology could lead to a 30% reduction in the network component of electricity bills by 2050 and a fairer, more efficient energy system.

Ground-breaking analysis released at All-Energy Australia in Melbourne today indicates economic benefits of $16.7 billion would be achieved through the smart use of network incentives to customers.

Energy Networks Association (ENA) CEO, John Bradley said the analysis was commissioned by the ENA and CSIRO as part of the Electricity Network Transformation Roadmap program.

“Customers, not utilities, will make more than $224 billion – or more than a quarter – of all energy system investment decisions between now and 2050,” Mr Bradley said.

“Energy networks can unlock the full value of these distributed resources, like solar, storage and demand management, with smart incentives for grid-support services.”