Energy Solutions News - July 2026
Energy Solutions News - July 2026
July 2026
With the first month of the financial year almost behind us, the energy markets are looking very different to where they were at the start of the calendar year. For large energy users, that means procurement decisions are becoming more complex.
One of the key changes year to date, has been the growing impact of battery dispatch on pricing patterns and market volatility.
Last quarter, NEM battery capacity increased from 12.1 GWh to 17.7 GWh approximately. This growth is helping to smooth peak pricing as batteries charge when prices are lower and utilise stored generation when prices are higher.
In this edition, we take a closer look at this trend, share the latest market and product updates, and explore what these developments could mean for your energy strategy.
If you’d like to discuss any of the topics covered or learn how Stanwell Energy Solutions can support your customers, we’d be pleased to hear from you
Jennifer Tarr, General Manager Retail and Technology, Stanwell Energy Solutions
Industry news and insights
The changing face of the NEM: what the rise of batteries means for energy buyers
One of the biggest changes underway in the National Electricity Market is the growing role of batteries. As storage becomes a larger part of the energy mix, we're seeing new pricing patterns emerge, alongside new opportunities and considerations for energy buyers. In this short video, Steve Quilter, Executive General Manager of Stanwell’s Energy Markets shares insights into the role of batteries in today’s changing market behaviour and why flexibility, timing and contract strategy are becoming increasingly important for energy buyers.
Market overview
Market update
Forward energy prices softened through the end of Q2, 2026, as growing renewable generation, battery storage and well-supplied gas markets supported market confidence. Combined with lower seasonal demand and reduced spot price volatility, these factors contributed to softer forward price expectations across the NEM.
Network tariff updates
The 2026/27 Network tariff updates have now been released and have been applied to network charges from 1 July 2026.
In line with your agreement, network charges are passed through from your network provider in accordance with applicable regulatory and contractual arrangements and appear on your Energy Solutions bills.
To view updated network tariffs, please contact network providers. If you have any questions or would like to discuss these changes further, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help.
Energy Solutions
Make your energy work harder with 3TOU
If you have customers who can adjust when they use energy, Stanwell Energy Solutions’ Three Time of Use (3TOU) tariff could help them energy costs while supporting sustainability goals.
Unlike a traditional flat tariff, 3TOU uses three pricing periods across the day, allowing customers to take advantage of lower daytime prices when solar generation is abundant and avoid higher-priced evening peak periods.
It’s particularly suited to businesses with flexible operations, onsite solar or battery storage. With no shape restrictions and the flexibility to add solar or batteries in the future, 3TOU rewards smarter energy management.
Stanwell news
Investing in reliable energy for Queensland
Stanwell is currently undertaking a $40.5 million overhaul of Unit 3 at Stanwell Power Station, alongside a $30 million maintenance program designed to maintain the unit's long-term performance, safety and reliability.
Planned overhauls are a critical part of maintaining reliable generation capacity across the National Electricity Market, ensuring assets continue operating safely and efficiently while supporting system reliability during periods of demand.
The works also deliver important economic benefits for Central Queensland, typically supporting around 400 short-term roles and generating flow-on activity for local suppliers, accommodation providers, transport operators and hospitality businesses.
Stanwell Power Station's four generating units undergo planned outages on a rotational basis, typically every five years. These outages are a statutory requirement and are carefully coordinated with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to support the reliable operation of the power system.
Socials and events
The Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership, The Hon David Janetzki MP visited Stanwell’s Tarong Power Station near Nanango, Southern Queensland last month. The 300MW/600MWh (Two-hour duration) large-scale battery, located at the Tarong power stations site, near Nanango is a major investment and asset in the state’s energy system, for now and into the future.
Stanwell's CEO Michael O'Rourke with Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership, The Hon David Janetzki MP
Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership, The Hon David Janetzki MP and Stanwell executives and team members at the Tarong Battery
Connect with the team!
Book a meeting with the Stanwell Energy Solutions team. Email retailsales@stanwell.com.
Visit Energy Solutions on the Stanwell website.