In an extraordinary transition from military services to energy innovation, former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) veterans Garry Harding and Craig Phasey are navigating a path toward a sustainable future with their pioneering venture, EnergyFlex. This endeavour symbolises an unwavering dedication to service, showcasing the adaptability and resilience that veterans bring to some of today’s most crucial challenges. For Garry and Craig, those challenges are climate change and the rising cost of living.
Veterans at the vanguard of the energy transition
Garry and Craig have taken diverse yet impactful trajectories since leaving the RAAF. Garry, having started as an RAAF apprentice, went on to establish Aerospace Technical Services, which led to a notable partnership with Raytheon Australia.
Craig, on the other hand, expanded on his RAAF Intelligence Officer expertise in integrated systems engineering, applying his skills in diverse sectors from rail to software, satellites and submarines.
Their pathways crossed post-service when they leveraged their very different experiences to address complex system challenges, initially offering consulting services to Queensland’s Coal Seam Gas industry. Here, they pioneered an approach to enhance energy situational awareness and promote operational flexibility, recognising that these principles had applications far beyond the defence sector. And that’s how EnergyFlex came about.
The EnergyFlex mission: Change how Australians use energy
EnergyFlex is not your typical energy consultancy. It’s a data analytics and insights platform designed to revolutionise how we interact with and use energy. By prioritising timing over consumption, EnergyFlex effectively addresses the obstacles associated with integrating renewable energy sources into our daily lives.
“Our mission is to make every Australian household and business ‘Renewables Ready’ and to maximise their energy asset,” says Garry. “We’re catalysing a shift to a greener energy era, starting where you are, with what you’ve got. We are helping mums and dads demystify the renewable energy transition. But the best part is that EnergyFlex is free to use.”
EnergyFlex provides users with essential insights into their energy usage patterns. The user-friendly interface calculates a personalised EnergyFlex Rating, guiding individuals to shift energy usage to times when renewable resources are abundant. This not only benefits the environment but also helps them save some money.
Veterans’ leading role in the energy transition
Veterans are vital to the EnergyFlex narrative, with the platform holding special meaning for them. “Our veteran roots tie back to serving the community,” Craig explains. “EnergyFlex is a tool that helps veterans with spiralling living costs and empowers them to lead the community towards a greener energy system.”
Experienced in collaboration and achieving results, veterans can champion this cause. By embracing EnergyFlex’s approach, they can help their communities become renewable energy leaders who understand the benefits of shifting their energy use to align with clean energy availability.
Garry and Craig envision a future where EnergyFlex reaches beyond individual homes to entire communities, promoting a nationwide adoption of flexible energy practices, and driving down electricity cost and carbon emissions across the country.
Reflecting on their journey, Garry says: “Our journey from military service to spearheading a green energy revolution has been unexpected but deeply rewarding. We strongly believe that by empowering individuals, especially our fellow veterans, we can make a significant impact on our planet and our future. And it starts with simple, practical changes in how and when we use energy.”
Become “Renewables Ready” by visiting www.energyflex.com.au to start reclaiming control of your electricity bills while helping your community fight climate change.
