SA Power Networks transforms energy delivery for the future, supported by the power of partnership

“With the world of electricity changing at a rapid pace, SA Power Networks is committed to connecting South Australians to a better energy future, today. This means we need to change the way that we’re delivering energy, working with our customers as active participants as we create our renewable energy future together.

Digital transformation and the power of partnership are key to our ability to make this future possible, ensuring we’re set for success and ready to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us.”

Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk, Chief Digital Officer, SA Power Networks

In a world where change is the only constant, SA Power Networks is lighting the way to a sustainable energy future, powered by its decade-long partnership with Capgemini. Together, both organisations are co-creating the digital and cultural foundations necessary to continue to drive the change needed to make a renewable future a reality.

Staying ahead in a fast-changing world through the power of reimagination

South Australia stands out for its bold commitment to renewable energy and a decarbonised economy. At the forefront of this change is SA Power Networks, the state’s sole electricity distributor, responsible for supplying power to 1.7 million people across 178,000 square kilometres.

With no coal-fired generation in its mix, and an aspiration to achieve 100% net renewable electricity by 2027, SA Power Networks has been on a decades-long journey to reimagine and redefine the role of a modern utility, transitioning from a traditional one-way electricity provider to a digital utility that enables a decentralised, flexible and resilient grid.

Recognised nationally as the most efficient electricity distribution business in Australia, SA Power Networks is also an established industry and technology leader on the global stage.

Creating a new playbook for a sustainable, customer-centred future

The energy sector is undergoing a dramatic shift from a one-way, centralised system to a decentralised, dynamic and deeply interconnected landscape. Rooftop solar panels, home batteries, electric vehicles and real-time data are transforming consumers into active participants in the grid.

This new environment demands not just the flow of energy but its exchange – creating an even greater need for connection, collaboration, data-led insight and the ability to adapt to rapid change and increasing complexity.

Chief Digital Officer Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk explains:

“We are transforming how we operate our business and serve our customers, because we know that our customers want choice, flexibility and visibility in how they’re receiving power – now and into the future.”

A partnership to empower change

SA Power Networks’ transformation to a next-generation digital utility is underpinned by its long-term partnership with Capgemini, with both organisations working together since 2015 to deliver SA Power Networks’ ambitious digital transformation strategy.

Together, SA Power Networks and Capgemini have established a true values-based partnership, characterised by collaboration, trust, shared purpose and accountability. The strength of this foundation allows SA Power Networks to continually evolve in step with, and ahead of, constant change.

Jason Anthony, SA Power Networks’ Head of Enterprise Applications, says:

“SA Power Networks strives to be a leader within our industry and to bring innovation, efficiencies and cost savings to our customers – but we can’t do this in isolation. We rely on key partnerships, like our partnership with Capgemini, to achieve these outcomes.

Both organisations truly operate as one team, and we’re united by a shared purpose – delivering outcomes that add real value for our customers.”

Empowered by technology

By retiring legacy systems and adopting SAP’s modern, flexible, cloud-based architecture, SA Power Networks is now supported by integrated digital platforms across its entire technology landscape, enabling ongoing innovation, operational and cost efficiencies, greater customer connection – and future-readiness.

The future: accelerating progress through AI-powered innovation

As SA Power Networks continues its transformation journey with Capgemini and SAP, it is now actively exploring the potential of Generative AI (Gen AI) and agentic platforms to deliver scalable, industry-leading innovations. Leveraging SAP’s AI copilot, Joule, SA Power Networks is at the forefront of integrating leading-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation and support the organisation’s renewable energy vision.

Conclusion

Powered by partnership and a future-ready digital platform, SA Power Networks is well-positioned to continue to play a leading role in the energy sector’s evolution, providing an exemplar for how modern digital utilities, customers, communities and technology can work together to create a sustainable future for South Australia – and the world.

Key technology milestones include:

• Billing and CRM program:
  Decommissioning metering, billing and market transaction systems and replacing these with a modern SAP ISU platform.
• Implementation of SAP S/4HANA and SAP BTP:
  Integrating core functions like finance, procurement, maintenance, and warehouse management, streamlining processes, and improving data visibility.
• Application Management Services, providing support across SA Power Networks’ entire SAP landscape.

Key outcomes and achievements:

• Industry leadership:
  Including acceleration of initiatives supporting renewables, such as the Flexible Exports program, a global first that allows customers to dynamically increase solar exports based on network conditions.
• Regulatory excellence:
  SA Power Networks’ reset submission for the 2025 to 2030 period was recognised by the regulator as one of the best submissions from a distribution company in Australia.
• Award-winning delivery:
  SA Power Networks’ $80 million billing and CRM program received multiple Australian Institute of Project Management awards, including Project of the Year.
• Enhanced customer engagement and insight:
  New digital channels allow customers to manage services online with improved transparency and responsiveness.