United Energy

🌿 Happy National Volunteer Week! 💙 Earlier this year, 22 of our Network Services Design and Customer Programs team members spent the day volunteering with the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, walking both sides of the Yarra from St Kilda Road to Swan Street and picking up 20kg of rubbish. A cleaner river. A stronger team. A great day out. Here's to everyone giving their time to make our communities a better place. 💚 --- 👋 Did you know, all United Energy employees are provided with one weekday of paid volunteering each year? Whether it's getting hands-on in the community, building new skills, or strengthening team bonds, your volunteering day is yours to use.

Monash University is one of the largest customers on the United Energy network.   We sat down to explore how we’re working together to support their transition from gas to a fully electrified campus. From managing high voltage assets to enabling solar, microgrids and EV charging, this partnership is helping bring Monash’s net zero ambitions to life.   We’re essential every day in supporting our customers through the energy transition, on the ground and in real time.

In our busy lives, how often do you stop and reflect on how much has changed around us? Two weeks ago, the Australian Energy Regulator made its final decision on our five-year plan for our three networks.   The decision made headlines. Our plans were largely approved, and distribution and metering costs will fall for our customers.   As more of our customers invest in solar, batteries and EVs, and climate change brings more extreme weather, we’ve got the green light to roll out a plan that will mean our networks can stay ahead of this transition and build in more resilience.   That’s big news for the communities we serve.   It wasn’t easy to get this over the line. But the robust and often challenging discussions with the regulator helped land a result that is efficient and sets us up to deliver for customers.   Getting the approval was the effort of so many from across our business. Tens of thousands of hours from people who genuinely care about getting the right result for customers. I feel lucky to work alongside them.   Thank you to everyone who contributed. This is something we should be proud of.   Our plan was also shaped by more than 9,400 customers and stakeholders across Victoria. Thank you to those who took the time to share their views. It has made a real difference to where we have landed.   We are already starting to think about what comes next, and what the system will need beyond 2031.   And, importantly, we are getting on with delivering this plan.

May 17th recognises the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). IDAHOBIT is an important reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and included - at work, at home and in the community. While progress has been made, discrimination and exclusion are still experienced by many LGBTQIA+ people every day. That’s why awareness, allyship and action continue to matter. This year, United Energy employees came together through a Drag Bingo event to help raise awareness, celebrate diversity and foster a more inclusive workplace for all.

It's official, Carrum Downs' new community battery at Banyan Reserve on Bunurong Country is complete and switched ON. Local Bunurong artist @KobiSaintyArt has put the finishing touches on the artwork, and the anti-graffiti coat is done. The project faced its share of challenges - unpredictable weather, an attempted theft, and competing project demands but the team pushed through and delivered something truly special. The response from the community has made it all worthwhile. We've had residents stop by to share how much they love the artwork and what it adds to the space. A huge thank you to everyone for your patience and support throughout this journey. This is what community energy looks like. ⚡

We are pleased to sponsor the upcoming SEIA Vic Conference. The event marks a massive milestone - 40 years of the Solar Energy Installers Association bringing Victoria's solar industry together. Our very own Charmaine Volpe and Lindon Blakey will be presenting at the conference. Registrations are open now if you would like to attend. This is an opportunity to join the conversation around commercial solar, energy storage, project delivery, and the future of the industry: https://lnkd.in/gUVn6Usd

Out of the office and into the wild 🌿 Our HSE team recently spent the day at Mt Rothwell Safe Haven, a unique sanctuary protecting some of Australia’s most threatened species. The morning focused on learning and alignment, with team-led sessions followed by an afternoon session where it was all hands on deck. The team rolled up their sleeves to support rabbit control and habitat restoration, contributing to the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. A great mix of learning, collaboration and giving back to the environment.

Last week, our people came together to celebrate Sri Lankan New Year, led by colleagues sharing their culture, food and traditions. From hoppers to cultural performances, the event created a space for connection and learning across our workplace. It also marked a special milestone, the first time our Sri Lankan community has come together to celebrate collectively within our organisation. A meaningful reminder of the inclusive culture we’re building and the strength that comes from sharing it.

🎉 Artwork on Carrum Downs’ new community battery is officially underway.   Meet our local Bunurong artist Kobi Sainty Art, who is bringing this project to life through a powerful story of caring for Country in unity. Kobi’s design incorporates symbols representing men’s and women’s business, while honouring the matriarchal lineage of Bunurong grandmothers with deep respect.   Kobi and the team recently welcomed Federal MP for Dunkley Jodie Belyea MP onsite to share insights into the community battery, as well as the meaning behind the chosen artwork.   We look forward to seeing Kobi's artwork come to life in Banynan Reserve.