AEMO to discuss modernising the electricity grid

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy will hear from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) at a public hearing on Friday for the inquiry into modernising Australia’s electricity grid.

The Chair of the Committee, Andrew Broad MP, said the Committee was looking forward to hearing from Ms Audrey Zibelman, who started as the Chief Executive Officer of AEMO in March after heading up the New York State Public Service Commission.

“As the market operator, AEMO has a central role in maintaining the security of the electricity system. The Committee is keen to hear how AEMO is approaching the task of managing the grid as the generation mix changes and as consumers become more active participants in the system.”

“The Committee is also looking forward to hearing from Ms Zibelman about her experience in the United States, and about whether this could inform Australia’s approach to modernising the grid,” Mr Broad said.

The Deputy Chair of the Committee, Mr Pat Conroy MP, said the Committee would also be hearing from government entities with important roles in managing the transition underway in Australia’s electricity system, including  making and enforcing  the rules in the National Electricity Market, and supporting the development of renewable energy.

“It is clear that the pace of change in the electricity sector is unprecedented, and this brings with it a range of challenges for regulators. The Committee will discuss how governing frameworks can adapt more quickly to the changes in the sector, and how a modern grid can deliver better outcomes for consumers,” Mr Conroy said.

As part of the inquiry, the Committee is encouraging members of the community to share their views on the electricity system via an online questionnaire.

Further information about the inquiry, including submissions from the organisations appearing at the hearing, are available on the inquiry website, at www.aph.gov.au/moderngrid.

 

Public hearing details: 8:30 am – 11:30 am, Friday 26 May 2017, Parliament House, Canberra

8.30 am – 9.00 am: Clean Energy Finance Corporation
9.00 am – 9.30 am: Australian Renewable Energy Agency
9.30 am – 10.00 am: Australian Energy Regulator
10.00 am – 10.30 am: Australian Energy Market Commission
10.30 am – 11.30 am: Australian Energy Market Operator
11.30 am: Close

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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