The previous government in Australia failed to embrace the smart grid concept; instead it launched a (not so) smart meter project. When it became clear that political change was in the air the industry became more interested in this development. While in Opposition the Labor Party had already demonstrated an interest in smart grids, and under the leadership of the Prime Minister the $100 million Smart Grid/Smart City project (also known as National Energy Efficiency Initiative) was launched. Paul Budde played a key role in this process. He established Smart Grid Australia, the industry alliance that was instrumental in lobbying for the project. In late 2009 the implementation study was presented and this has provided a sound basis for the project. The aim is to link 9,500 homes to a smart grid during the period 2010-2013. The project will become the blueprint for a national rollout. In early 2010 four projects were proposed for the initiative.
