From DERs to CERs: What Australia’s Energy Transition Means for U.S. Regulators

Recorded on April 29, 2026

With 30% rooftop solar penetration nationally (50% in the state of South Australia) Australia is living, at scale, the distributed energy resource (DER) transformation that many U.S. states can expect. In March 2026, the CHARGED Initiative—a collaboration between Advanced Energy United, GridLab, and RMI—brought U.S. utility regulators to see it firsthand—visiting with distribution network service providers (distribution utilities), retailers, the market operator, the regulator, and government agencies.

Moderated by a former U.S. commission chair, two study tour participants and a representative from the Australian energy consumer advocate discussed the differences between the U.S. and Australian energy grids, and how the U.S. can learn from Australia’s successes and challenges with the high penetration of Consumer Energy Resources (CERs).

Panelists

• Dan Scripps, Michigan Public Service Commission
  Chair
• Brian Spak, Energy Consumers Australia
  GM, Advocacy and Policy
• Bryn Williams, Energy Horizons
  Principal

Moderator

• Megan Decker, Staircase Advisory
  Founder of Staircase Advisory and Former Chair of the Oregon PUC