More than 100 businesses and industry representatives have registered for a new forum designed to help NSW businesses understand how electrification can reduce operating costs, attract customers and future-proof their operations, as new battery incentives become available.
The Business Electrification Forum, initiated by EV charging platform ivygo in collaboration with Everything Electric Sydney, will bring around 150 business operators together at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday, 18 September to hear directly from government representatives and industry experts across energy, battery storage, EV charging and fleet electrification.
The strong response highlights a growing appetite among businesses for practical advice on how to participate in Australia’s transition to electric and where the commercial opportunities sit.
ivygo Founder and CEO Julie Perrissel said businesses needed clear, practical information to move from considering electrification to taking action.
“Businesses are increasingly aware that electrification is coming, but many still need help understanding what it means for their particular operation and where to start,” Ms Perrissel said.
“Government incentives can make a significant difference, but businesses need to understand what support is available, whether they are eligible and how to make the right investment decisions.
“We created the Business Electrification Forum to bring that expertise together in one place, so businesses can ask questions, hear from people doing it in the real world and leave with a clearer pathway forward.”
The Forum comes as new support becomes available through the NSW Government’s Peak Demand Reduction Scheme, including incentives that can help eligible commercial and industrial businesses reduce the upfront cost of battery storage.
For ivygo, the Forum builds on its work helping businesses understand the commercial opportunities created by the growth of EVs and electrification.
Through its Charge the Hunter initiative, ivygo has been working with businesses across the Hunter Valley to prepare the region for the growing number of EV travellers, with a focus on helping tourism and hospitality businesses attract EV-driving customers and benefit from the transition.
Ms Perrissel said the experience had reinforced the importance of making electrification relevant to the day-to-day realities of running a business.“Through Charge the Hunter, we’ve seen that once businesses understand the commercial opportunity — whether that’s reducing energy costs, attracting EV-driving customers or preparing for changing demand — they are often ready to take the next step,” she said.
“Businesses don’t need more high-level conversations. They need relevant information, real examples and trusted people who can help them work out what makes sense for their business.”
The Business Electrification Forum will feature three practical sessions:
- Business Electrification and Energy Savings — led by Sustainable Hosting, exploring how businesses can reduce energy costs and respond to changing customer expectations.
- EV Charging for Businesses — led by ivygo, looking at the role of EV charging in attracting customers, supporting staff and fleets, and creating new business opportunities.
- Fleet Electrification — led by ROEV, covering vehicle selection, charging, operations and the practical considerations involved in transitioning business fleets.
Each session will combine presentations with panel discussion and audience questions.
Felicity Stevens, founder of Sustainable Hosting, said electrification was creating new opportunities for businesses in tourism, hospitality and accommodation.
“Customers are increasingly considering sustainability, energy efficiency and access to EV charging when deciding where to stay, eat and spend their time,” Ms Stevens said.
“For businesses, electrification can lower operating costs, strengthen the customer experience and help a venue remain relevant as expectations continue to change.”
Rob Dietz from ROEV said fleet electrification was also becoming a practical business consideration.
“We are seeing more organisations seriously examine how electric vehicles can work within their fleets, but many still need support to understand vehicle selection, charging, operations and the transition process,” Mr Dietz said.
NSW Government representatives will participate throughout the Forum to explain current programs and incentives, including support available for eligible businesses across battery storage, EV adoption and fleet electrification.
The Forum is supported by JET Charge as Forum sponsor, with the Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association as community partner.
Following the strong response to the inaugural event, ivygo and its partners are considering further Business Electrification Forums to help more businesses navigate the opportunities presented by electrification.
“This is a conversation that needs to continue,” Ms Perrissel said. “Businesses across NSW need practical, accessible education to participate confidently in the transition — and to make sure they are in a position to capture the commercial benefits as the market evolves.”
