Understanding how older customers (aged 65+) are experiencing the current energy transition
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria was awarded the 2023 Vulnerability Research Grant to undertake their research which is focusing on how older customers (aged 65+) are experiencing the current energy transition, including the barriers they are facing and the impact that current processes are having on them.
Research objectives:
- To explore the views of older consumers on their experience, awareness and views of energy transition processes and opportunities, including the value they place on issues such as (but not limited to) reliability, resilience, digital exclusion, climate change mitigation and electrification.
- To identify the views of older consumers on future energy consumption behaviors as Australia undergoes the energy transition, including how they see their energy needs and priorities changing over a longer timeframe (10-20 years) in the context of the energy transition.
- To develop a greater understanding of how older people are experiencing the ongoing energy transition, including its relationship with age-related vulnerabilities and how to support a more vulnerable cohort with diverse capabilities in regard to energy transition.
- To identify potential opportunities to address identified risks or impacts on older consumers in regard to the energy transition, including potential policy changes and program options.
COTA's research is currently taking place, commencing in January 2024. From January - June 2024, COTA Victoria will survey approximately 80 people (focusing on the areas covered by the AusNet network) and conduct focus groups involving approximately 20 people to capture the voices of this customer group.
Listening to our customers is important to us. If you have any thoughts, insights or concerns on how the energy transition is affecting older Victorians, please let us know by filling out the following form.
The findings are expected to be published in July 2024.
