Wrapping up a huge year of shows, field days and community events
In 2025, SA Power Networks attended 14 community events across South Australia, engaging with thousands of customers and showcasing our commitment to supporting local communities.
From bustling field days to family-friendly shows and Touch a Truck events, these provided a valuable opportunity to connect with our customers, share insights, and gather feedback to improve outcomes for all South Australians.
Events attended
- Touch a Truck (City of West Torrens)
- Mundulla Show
- Kangarilla Community Day
- South East Field Days
- Touch a Truck (City of Tea Tree Gully)
- Master Builders Home Show (Wayville)
- Whyalla Show
- Riverland Field Days
- Kimba Show
- Yorke Peninsula Field Days
- Jamestown Show
- Touch a Truck (City of Onkaparinga)
- Pt Elliot Show
- Parndana Show & Field Day
At many of these events, representatives from our Regional Remote Advisory Group (RRAG) joined us to provide an independent voice for regional and rural customers. This gave attendees the chance to share their insights and feedback, helping us better understand and address the needs of their communities.
Picture: Members of our Regional Remote Advisory Group attended the Riverland Field Days.
Key topics discussed
Energy affordability
One of the most common questions we heard was, “How can we get electricity cheaper?” This sparked conversations about energy efficiency, cost-saving strategies, and understanding electricity usage. Key topics included:
- Energy consumption: Heating and cooling typically account for 40% of household energy use. We shared tips on how to reduce usage and save money. Our temperature magnets proved to be a helpful tool, showing customers how adjusting their thermostat by just a few degrees during winter or summer could significantly reduce their bills.
- Finding better deals: We encouraged customers to explore the government’s Energy Made Easy website to compare electricity plans. We also highlighted the importance of checking electricity bills for a box indicating if a cheaper deal is available through their current retailer.
- Smart meters and time-of-use tariffs: We explained how smart meters work and how they impact billing. Customers learned about the benefits of shifting energy usage (including hot water storage) to daytime hours to take advantage of solar and cheaper rates.
- Solar and flexible exports: Customers were curious about lower feed-in tariffs, and we explained how South Australia’s high rooftop solar penetration affects daytime power prices. We also discussed the benefits of flexible exports, which helps prevent solar overloading the grid by limiting only the amount of solar energy exported, not the energy used in the home.
- Battery storage: Many attendees expressed interest in batteries as a way to harness excess power during the day and then use it at night when prices are higher, particularly through the Cheaper Home Batteries program.
- Electrification: We discussed the benefits of transitioning away from gas to fully electrify homes, provided efficient appliances are chosen. Induction cooktops were a hot topic, and we dispelled myths about their practicality and efficiency.
Want to learn more about saving energy? Read more about how to be energy efficient.
Picture: Touch a Truck Tea Tree Gully
Powerline Safety and Network Maintenance
Powerline safety was a key focus, especially at regional events. Customers were keen to learn about making farms and worksites safer, and our reflectors for power poles and "Look Up and Live" materials were well received. We also provided guidance on moving poles, powerline heights, and undergrounding overhead lines, advising customers to consult private electricians and SA Power Networks for assistance.
Our equipment displays were a highlight, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how our crews work to restore power and maintain the network. The lightning-struck insulator and explanations for recent dirty insulator outages were particularly popular, helping customers understand the challenges of detecting faults and preventing outages.
Careers at SA Power Networks
Many attendees expressed interest in careers at SA Power Networks. Our team shared brochures and personal experiences, inspiring future applications and showcasing the diverse opportunities available within our organisation.
Learn more about careers ar SA Power Networks
Picture: A photo from our photo booth at the Mundullah Show.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited to continue connecting face-to-face with our customers in 2026, with another packed schedule of events planned. We hope to see you then!