CitiPower unveils $1.2 billion plan to deliver a stronger and smarter network

Australia’s most reliable electricity distributor CitiPower has unveiled a $1.2 billion dollar plan to modernise Melbourne’s power network, supporting increasing electrification and meeting growing demand over the next five years.

The new plan will be delivered with no increase to distribution charges and a $2 reduction in metering charges.

CitiPower has now submitted its 2026-31 regulatory proposal to the Australian Energy Regulator for review and approval.

Over the next five years, an additional 105,000 people will be living in the CitiPower network, with annual energy consumption rising by 26 per cent, rooftop solar is expected to triple and 28 per cent of customers will have an electric vehicle.

CitiPower’s General Manager Regulation, Renate Vogt, said the proposed investment package was designed to meet these challenges, ensuring the network continued delivering reliable and safe power for more than 349,500 customers across Melbourne.

“We have spoken with thousands of customers to better understand how they want us to invest in our network, and our plan reflects their expectations,” Ms Vogt said.

“Our plan will allow us to continue delivering the safe and reliable power that is essential for our vibrant and growing city.

“We will support greater electrification and the state’s population growth, all while keeping costs as low as possible.”

Proposed investments include:

• $336 million to maintain our assets and continue to provide a safe and reliable supply of electricity
• $63 million to modernise infrastructure in inner Melbourne
• $19 million to ensure security of supply obligations for Melbourne’s CBD are met
• $39 million to support electrification

“With rising cost-of-living pressures, we needed to make sure our plans were affordable while delivering the safe and reliable power our customers expect and depend on,” Ms Vogt said.

“We already operate one of the most efficient and lowest-cost electricity distribution networks in Australia, and this plan continues to find smarter ways to use our existing infrastructure to deliver better value for customers.”

CitiPower conducted its largest-ever customer and industry engagement program to help develop its 2026-31 plans, engaging more than 8,300 customers over the past four years.

For more information and to see the plans, visit engage.citipower.com.au