A new report by VisNet, from EA Technology, reveals a compelling paradox: three in every four consumers in the UK think they can cut back their energy usage but still expect it to increase by 40 percent by the end of the decade. This reinforces the urgent need for smarter and more sustainable energy networks.

The research offers the most comprehensive cross-market view to date of how consumers in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand are reshaping the future of low voltage (LV) electricity networks.

By 2030, the research reveals, household energy loads in the UK are projected to rise 40 percent, with evening peak usage increasing by 60 percent in homes with EVs and heat pumps. However, in the face of rising energy consumption, good intentions prevail, with three quarters (75 percent) thinking they could in fact cut down their energy consumption by shifting to off-peak usage.

Younger generations are leading the change in this response: 83 percent of 16-24yrs believe they could cut down on electricity use, compared to 60 percent overall.

Households are also moving from consumers to ‘prosumers’, as they take an active role in energy generation and storage by adopting Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) like rooftop solar, home batteries and smart home systems. According to VisNet's research, 73 percent of solar owners use energy from their systems daily, creating persistent reverse flows and new operational complexities.

The report outlines six key recommendations for network owners and operators - including: modernising network monitoring and modelling, with real-time, low-voltage visibility, and embedding behavioural forecasting into network planning and incentivising smart energy consumption.

“Electricity distribution has now expanded beyond cables and substations,” said Mark Sprawson, chief commercial officer at EA Technology. “It is about intelligence, adaptability, and responsiveness. Owners and operators of electricity networks need actionable intelligence in real time.”

Sprawson continued, “Grid-edge intelligence helps bridge perception and reality, whilst grid access technologies support faster and more accurate network planning. DNOs are harnessing grid-edge intelligence to make net zero goals a reality.”

Ana Duran, product manager at VisNet, added her thoughts, “Managing peak loads intelligently, without overinvesting in infrastructure, is the key challenge ahead for electricity operators. Predictive analytics and behavioural insight will allow them to plan smarter, invest better, and deliver resilient networks that align with the UK’s net zero goals.”

Duran continued, “The use of advanced load and behavioural modelling to simulate how consumer flexibility can alleviate peak demand - by integrating real-time data with predictive models – means owners and operators can identify where and when to invest in flexibility services or network reinforcement.”

The full report is available to download at https://visnet.tech/consumer-e... .