Undervoltage no barrier to electrification

A new commentary in “Renew Economy” argues concerns about undervoltage in Australia’s electricity network should be seen as a signal to upgrade infrastructure, not as a reason to slow electrification.

Co-authors Adjunct Associate Professor Scott Hamilton of Monash Chemical and Biological Engineering and Associate Professor Saman A. Gorji of Deakin University, explain as households adopt electric technologies, parts of the legacy grid will come under strain. This reflects a system designed for older energy use patterns rather than a flaw in electrification itself.

Associate Professor Hamilton stresses that undervoltage should prompt targeted investment and modernisation, not policy retreat. He writes, “Australia should not weaponise undervoltage against electrification. It should use it as an early warning.”

The authors liken the challenge to urban growth, arguing that infrastructure must evolve alongside demand. Ultimately, they conclude that strengthening local networks is essential to enabling the transition to fully electric households, rather than limiting it.

Read the full article here.