Energy suppliers look to digitalisation for net zero

Australian energy suppliers rank among the world’s trailblazers in terms of adopting digital transformation in pursuit of net zero goals, new research from Publicis Sapient suggests.

A global survey found that 70% of Australian energy suppliers are actively engaged in digital transformation strategies with net zero goals, the highest rate among all markets surveyed, and well above the global average of 50%.

The survey found that the impetus for change is coming in part from customers, with 78% of Australian energy suppliers surveyed citing increased pressure from customers to become more environmentally sustainable.

In addition, Australian suppliers are more concerned than their global peers about increased competition from ‘digital native’ challengers, with 44% citing the existence of such challengers as a very influential motivator in driving their corporate digital transformation agenda.

Meanwhile 88% of Australian energy suppliers plan to use the net zero agenda as an opportunity to transform their business more broadly.

“Energy suppliers will play a central role in realising Australia’s vision to achieve net zero by 2050. Embracing new technology and digital business transformation will be pivotal in propelling energy suppliers and the broader Australian economy in their journeys towards Net Zero outcomes,” Publicis Sapient Senior Manager Strategy & Consulting David Leung said.

“The [survey’s] findings reiterate the significance of digital business transformation in enabling net zero outcomes while also ensuring safe, reliable and affordable energy for consumers.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Olivier Le Moal