This report summarises the findings from Stage 1 of the Future Grid Homes project, which involved in-depth and at-home interviews with 51 Australian households in five National Energy Market (NEM) states and territories (VIC, SA, NSW, ACT and QLD).

This report identifies the benefits and problems smart home adopters actually experience, and compares them to the technological solutions on offer. The report shows that while living in a smart home is appealing for early adopters, it also throws up some unexpected challenges.

This report provides evidence regarding potential financial and health implications of electricity pricing and 'price signal' messaging for heat vulnerable households.

This trial of smart home control in 46 households shows limits to use for managing home energy bills and electricity demand.

In the context of energy reforms to address peak electricity demand in Australia, this briefing paper provides a critical review of cost-reflective electricity pricing policy and the potential impacts of heatwaves and other extreme heat events in vulnerable households.