The program provides funding to support research and development into new demand management capability and capacity, helping defer network augmentation, improve grid flexibility and deliver cost savings to consumers.
This program enables organisations to research and trial new approaches that:
Modify the drivers of network demand usage platforms
Reduce long-term network costs, including wholesale market impacts.
Improve system reliability by managing demand more efficiently
We invite proposals from:
Research bodies such as universities and Cooperative Research Centres (CRC).
Technology innovators including energy start-ups.
Trial partners such as commercial and industrial energy users and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) operators
Transgrid publishes the EOI period and DMIA Program Guidelines. The program guidelines outline the type of information sought from proponents.
The EOI open from 8 September 2025.
Proponents provide full project details for consideration.
Proposals must be submitted by 5pm, Friday 28 November 2025.
Proposals are assessed against the AER's eligible project criteria.
Proposals are assessed against merit criteria.
An independent panel assesses and endorses proposals that meet eligibility and merit criteria.
Successful proponents enter into a funding agreement with Transgrid.
Approved projects begin development.
To be considered, all proposals must meet the following criteria:
Focus on research, development or implementation of demand management solutions.
Demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2-6 (proof of concept through prototype testing).
Show potential to reduce long-term network costs, including wholesale market impacts.
Commit to public knowledge sharing of results, with minimal confidentiality claims.
Exclude costs that are recoverable under other incentive schemes or approved capital / operational expenditure forecasts.
Be scoped as operating expenditure only; geographical location is flexible.
Refer to the AER's eligibility project criteria for full details.
When assessing proposals, Transgrid will consider eligible DMIA projects that support the following strategic objectives
Priority challenges for proposalsTransgrid forecasts challenges related to minimum demand and the rapid growth of data centre electricity demand across its network. These evolving dynamics pose risks to grid stability and operational efficiency. While Transgrid welcomes any demand management related proposals, we invite innovative project proposals that seek to address:
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Only applicants that meet the eligibility criteria will be assessed against merit criteria by Transgrid. The level of detail and evidence required will depend on the project's size, complexity, TRL stage and requested funding.
Proposals will be assessed on factors including:
Potential consumer benefits
The opportunity to deliver long-term benefits for electricity users.
Alignment
Contribution to DMIA and Transgrid's strategic objectives.
Project design
Methodology, approach and clear pathway to delivery.
Knowledge-sharing
Expected learning outcomes and dissemination.
Capability and risk
Proponent capacity, financial milestones and budget management.
Funding is available under the Demand Management Innovation Allowance, supporting innovation across Australia's energy sector.
Projects support investigation, testing and demonstration of demand management solutions, contributing new knowledge to the sector.
Projects must include activities that involve investigating and/or creating new knowledge, products, or processes to offer modifications to the drivers of network usage patterns.
Transgrid works across the energy sector to anticipate challenges and opportunities and explore solutions that deliver long-term benefits for consumers.
Transgrid operates the high-voltage transmission network across NSW and the ACT, connecting generators, distributors and major users.
Proposals are reviewed against AER criteria and assessed and endorsed by an independent panel.
TIS 131 450