Energy Horizons 2026: The Evolving Role of Consumers in Energy Markets

This year’s Energy Horizons conference focuses on the evolving role of consumers in energy markets and the implications for market design, regulation, and system operation.

As the uptake of distributed energy resources accelerates, consumers are increasingly participating in energy markets through rooftop solar, batteries, demand response, and virtual power plants. This shift raises important questions for pricing, incentives, consumer protection, and the integration of distributed resources into wholesale and retail market frameworks.

The conference will explore key policy and market design challenges, including demand-side participation, retail market reform, flexibility markets, and new business models. Particular attention will be given to the role of regulators and market bodies in enabling efficient and reliable consumer participation.

Bringing together researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders—including utilities, technology providers, and market participants—the conference aims to foster a practical and forward-looking discussion on how consumer engagement can support a reliable, affordable, and low-carbon energy system.

Conference program to be confirmed.

Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a drinks reception are inlcuded in the $165 registration fee.

The conference is organised by the Transforming Energy Markets Research Centre at Macquarie University.

Confirmed speakers inlcude:

Tim Nelson

Chair, Review of the NEM, Australian Government

Tim Jordan

Commissioner, Australian Energy Market Commission

Tim Buckley

Climate Energy Finance Australia

Steve Lewis

Leader in the Delivery of Renewables and Electric Vehicles Implementation, Ausgrid

Tim Ryan

Real Time Data and Transaction Expert and Consumer Advocate

Pritesh Suvarna

Lead, Sustainability Services. Tata Consultancy Services

Gareth Williams

Senior Project and Commercial Lead at Transport for NSW

Jack Tan

Founder, TerraFuse

Rohan Best

Member of the Transforming Energy Markets Research Centre

Tina Soliman Hunter

Co-Director and Research and Industry Engagement Lead of Transforming Energy Markets Research Centre

Stefan Trück

Director, Transforming Energy Markets Research Centre, ARC Future Fellow, Professor of Business Analytics, Macquarie University