Background
AusNet is committed to building our understanding of our customer’s needs and improving experiences and outcomes for our customers. We believe all customers – regardless of their circumstances and capabilities – should have access to fit-for-purpose energy services.
We are offering an annual grant of $30,000 to social service organisations for research with customers experiencing vulnerability or with diverse capabilities to help us better identify these customers and build our understanding of their needs and how to best support them. We are requesting applications for research proposals that address these areas or another area that you have identified as a priority or gap in the industry’s understanding of customer vulnerabilities and diverse capabilities.
Suggested Focus Areas
We have identified the following gaps in our understanding of customers experiencing vulnerability or with diverse capabilities:
- Defining segments for customers/communities with different capabilities and vulnerabilities on the AusNet network
- Understanding the pain points different segments are experiencing in their energy interactions
- Understanding how customers interact with their energy supply (for example energy saving methods, who they go to for support with various tasks etc)
- Identifying potential vulnerabilities created or exacerbated through the energy transition
- Identifying initiatives and opportunities for AusNet to better support customers experiencing vulnerability or with different sets of capabilities
These are suggested focus areas for grant applications, though we also encourage applications for other relevant research projects.
Specifics
Where: Proposals must be for research with customers on AusNet’s electricity distribution network (though may cover customers on AusNet’s gas network as well).
AusNet support: AusNet’s Research team will be available to support the successful organisation in designing and administering the project where required. They are specialised in market research, and willing to support you in the research process to help the project go smoothly and achieve high quality work.
Use of funds: The grant money must be used to support the delivery of the research project. They may be used to pay for staff or consultants’ time. Grant applicants may apply for all or part of the funds.
What to include in your proposal: We are expecting proposals to include the following details:
- The insights you expect to gather from the project
- Your proposed methodology
- Expected timeframe for delivering the project
- Expected budget expenditure table
- Support you will be seeking from AusNet and its Research team.
We are expecting proposals to be approximately 1-3 pages. We may seek additional information or clarification when assessing proposals.
Assessment criteria
The proposals will be assessed and the grant will be award to the organisation whose proposal best builds our understanding of customer vulnerabilities and diverse capabilities as they relate to electricity distribution and how to support these groups, and the practicality of the project proposed. Proposals will be assessed by AusNet Research team, Strategy & Regulation team and external stakeholders on our Customer Consultative Committee.
Submitting your proposal
Proposals are due by Friday 22 November 2024 via email to research@ausnetservices.com.au
For further information: Please contact Jade Park via research@ausnetservices.com.au
