In the Expression of interest stage, households show their interest in being one of the 500 Energy Masters households by submitting an expression of interest.

Expressions of interest are open now, using the form available on this website.

Households progress to Stage 2 by invitation from the Energy Masters project partners.

Households that do not progress to Stage 2 are still supported to learn more about energy and their household energy use through information, resources and tools from the Government of South Australia, Department for Energy and Mining. They could also choose to be advised of any similar future opportunities from the Government of South Australia.

Households selected to join Energy Masters will be invited to proceed to Stage 2 – Quoting and acceptance with Energy Masters project partner MAC Trade Services.

In the Quoting and acceptance stage, households will be able to see and understand the subsidies they will receive and any out-of-pocket costs before they agree to join.

Households will have access to the Energy Masters online self-assessment and estimation tool from MAC Trade Services, to help them consider their options, understand the technology, and confirm the subsidies they could receive and the out-of-pocket costs they will pay if they decide to install appliances.

Once households have a desktop assessment they would like to proceed with, MAC Trade Services will carry out an inspection at the home, discuss the options and technology with them in more detail, and create an Energy Masters Quote Record that outlines their discussions and the investment they will make.

The Quoting and acceptance stage is also where households can choose to complete an online finance application with Plenti if they wish. Plenti will consider the application and inform the households of an outcome before they accept their Energy Masters Quote Record.

Note: Credit subject to approval. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Credit provided by Plenti Finance Pty Limited ACN 636 759 861 (supported by its servicer, Plenti RE Limited ACN 166 646 635) or Perpetual Corporate Trust Limited ACN 000 341 533, Australian Credit Licence number 392673 (as custodian). Plenti RE Limited holds Australian Financial Services Licence number 449176, Australian Credit Licence number 449176.

Obtaining finance through Plenti or any other financier is not mandatory. Households can choose to pay for any out-of-pocket costs in the way that suits them.

Households have the opportunity to consider all the information in the Energy Masters Quote Record which will be valid for 14 calendar days.

Households progress to Stage 3 by accepting their Energy Masters Quote Record.

A household's place as one of the 500 Energy Masters households is confirmed once they accept their Energy Masters Quote Record.

After households accept their Energy Masters Quote Record:

• They pay a 10 percent deposit to MAC Trade Services (unless they have approved finance from project partner Plenti).

• MAC Trade Services schedule and carry out their installation/s, and ensure the household understands their new appliances and energy flexibility.

• Households are asked by email to confirm their installation has been completed and that they are happy with it. The out-of-pocket costs for joining Energy Masters less any deposit are only processed once this is confirmed.

• Households are introduced to and invited to download the Clipsal Cortex app, tailored for Energy Masters households, that will help them make the most of their new appliances and newfound energy flexibility.

• Households are introduced to the Energy Masters research team, managed by RACE for 2030 CRC, and begin their participation in the research program.

If households have chosen to accept an energy plan from project partners EnergyAustralia or Amber, they will also contact the household to arrange the transfer to them. It is not mandatory to be an EnergyAustralia or Amber customer to participate in Energy Masters. Households can participate whilst being a customer of any electricity retailer.

By accepting a place in Energy Masters, households agree to participate in research that is expected to demonstrate a simple, reliable and cost-effective way for all South Australians to become masters of their energy use.

This means that from accepting their place until the end of December 2027 they will at a minimum:

• have their household electricity meter data shared with and analysed by the researchers

• complete at least three research surveys which will require them to share information such as (but not limited to) the age and gender of people in their household, how their house is constructed and how they use it, how and why they use energy, and what their motivations and barriers are about energy and related topics

• agree to participate in the trial of SA Power Networks’ flexible imports, which includes sending network signals (through flexible network connections) to their new HEMS to enable flexible energy use of opted-in devices to support the network.

These minimum requirements are reflected in the Energy Masters Terms and Conditions.

In addition to these minimum requirements households will be invited to participate in additional research activities such as interviews. These activities will be optional.

Places in Energy Masters are limited and interest has been high.

This means there are households that have expressed their interest but may not be selected to join.

The project is seeking a range of family and property types, which means households with similar characteristics are not guaranteed to receive the same EOI outcome.

Households that are not selected to join, are still supported to learn more about energy and their household energy use through information, resources, and tools from the Government of South Australia. You can also choose to be advised of any similar future opportunities from the Government of South Australia.