Australian Energy Regulator

The transition to renewable energy sources is changing the way transmission networks operate and invest. In the rapidly-changing energy landscape, we are looking at what aspects of the transmission service target performance incentive scheme (STPIS) are still working as intended.   The STPIS provides a financial incentive to transmission network service providers to maintain and improve service performance.   Today we published proposed amendments to the STPIS. As community and industry engagement is a vital part of our approach to regulation, we look forward to your participation in the consultation process:      📆 We are holding a public forum on 10 December 2024   ✍️We are accepting submissions by 3 February 2025   Find out more on our website: https://lnkd.in/dS78XSSW   #EnergyTransition #Transmission #Consultation #Engagement

One of our many roles is to monitor and report on the performance of wholesale gas and electricity markets. We do this to ensure market participants - generators, distributors and retailers - are participating fairly and effectively on behalf of Australian consumers. ⚡     In the past we have relied mostly on public information to assess the performance of wholesale energy markets, which provides limited visibility of market participants' contracting behaviour.     We now have enhanced functions in monitoring the wholesale gas markets and electricity and gas contract markets – and will know more about the drivers influencing how and why market participants behave the way they do, and whether wholesale energy markets are operating efficiently.     🔎 With these deeper insights we can ensure that we have a more holistic view of wholesale energy markets – improving our capability to evaluate performance, competition and efficiency.     Our Enhanced Wholesale Market Monitoring and Reporting Guideline sets out our approach to these enhanced functions. Find out more on our website: https://lnkd.in/gwgA9j46   #Energy #EnergyRegulation #WholesaleMarkets #Gas #Electricity

The role of natural gas in Australia’s energy transition is changing as more people electrify their homes and new technology around renewable gases comes into play. We are approaching the regulation of gas pipelines in an increasingly uncertain future with flexibility and an open mind, which is what we’ve done with the release of our final gas ring-fencing guide. Gas ring-fencing is important because it separates out a monopoly pipeline operator’s regulated and competitive business activities and prevents them from favouring their competitive activities to the disadvantage of other competitors in the market. What you need to know 🔍 This guide sets out how we will apply our powers and processes related to ring-fencing decisions and will help pipeline operators understand their obligations and how to apply for a ring-fencing exemption. Dive into the detail on our website: https://lnkd.in/gvBibhrx   #Gas #Energy #RingFencing #OutNow

In Case You Missed It! 👀 As a regulator we want to make sure consumers and industry are kept up to date with our important work. In this new monthly LinkedIn series, we'll be diving into recent projects and activities you may have missed.💡💬   #AERICYMI #ICYMI #RegulatorRecap #EnergyUpdates #StayInformed

As a regulator we value seeing firsthand the parts of the energy system we regulate. This week our Market Performance branch were invited by AGL to visit their Torrens Island site, located 16 kilometres north-west of Adelaide. The site visit included:  👉 the Barker Inlet gas powered Power Station 👉 the Torrens Island 'B' Power Station (set to retire in 2026) 👉 250 MW Torrens Island Battery Our branch got an important glimpse at their operation that underpins the South Australian electricity network with what is often referred to as "firming capacity", called upon in times of demand, in particular when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining to shore up supply.  While on the tour, our branch said they appreciated seeing the size and scale of AGL's operations and the importance of accurate data and record keeping to enable decisions that ensure efficiency and reliability in the network. It reaffirmed the importance of timely market performance insights and added to the team's knowledge and appreciation of what it takes to keep the lights on. Thanks to AGL for hosting us! #Energy #EnergyIndustry #Data #Industry 

At the AER we believe in listening and learning from industry experts to make informed, fact-based decisions. Today, our Market Performance team had the privilege of hearing from three of the best: Tony Wood (Grattan Institute), Gavin Dufty (St Vincent de Paul Society Australia), and our very own Lynne Gallagher (AER Board). With Lynne as host, Tony and Gavin shared their insights on the current state of the energy market and highlighted how our market performance reporting can add value for analysts and decision-makers across Australia’s energy markets. We see data as the foundation of our work - it’s factual, transparent and unbiased. It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, where each piece represents a piece of information. We use these pieces to build an accurate picture of the energy system without conflating or contriving scenarios. It’s about clarity and accessibility, ensuring our communication is as adaptable as the evolving energy landscape.   A fantastic opportunity for our team to learn and grow as we continue to foster a culture of innovation and accountability. A huge thank you to our guest speakers 🏆 #WeAreAER #MarketPerformance #EnergyRegulation #DataDriven #Innovation

We are commencing a consultation on our transmission ring-fencing guideline following amendments by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) to the National Electricity Rules.    What we are looking to do is support the energy transition with timely and efficient connection of new generation. This involves looking at the role of ring-fencing to promote competition in transmission connection services. The ultimate aim is to ensure consumers get the maximum benefit as new energy sources enter the market.    Our issues paper outlines proposed changes and key topics for your consideration - we need your insights to help us shape these guidelines, and we invite your feedback by 6 November 2024: https://lnkd.in/ecy-gwDj    #Energy #Consultation #StakeholderEngagement #RingFencing

"Before we build more, let's use more" If there was one key takeaway from our Chair Clare Savage at today’s AFR Energy and Climate Summit panel discussion on unlocking network investment, it was this. The NEM's reliability is the strongest it’s been in a decade, but asset utilisation has declined since the mid-2000s to now sit at 43%. Waves of new investments are flowing into distribution networks to support increased cyber security, climate resilience, digital transformation, augmentation for new sources of demand, and the integration of distributed and customer energy resources. In the face of this, Clare said it's critical to find ways to also make more efficient use of existing network infrastructure. She said regulation was not a barrier to innovation and that it’s more about unlocking network “potential” than just investment, to ensure consumers can get the best out of the energy transition. #UseMoreBeforeBuildingMore Dominique van den Berg Marc England Ausgrid Energy Networks Australia Cameron Garnsworthy SunCable The Australian Financial Review #Energy #EnergyTransition #Renewables #Networks #AFREnergyClimateSummit

As the energy regulator, one of our roles is to monitor and report on the performance of wholesale gas and electricity markets. We do this to ensure generators, distributors and retailers are participating fairly and effectively on behalf of Australian consumers. ⚡ Our latest Wholesale Markets Quarterly report analyses trends in the electricity and gas wholesale markets for the July to September quarter.    Key takeaways from the report include that electricity prices were heavily affected by a significant 54 high price periods. While higher demand in the July and August winter months put upward pressure on prices, milder weather from late August onwards resulted in lower demand and helped to moderate prices in the quarter for some states. AER Board Member Jarrod Ball explained why this has happened: “A combination of high demand, low wind and network outages during peak demand periods contributed to this volatility” “Importantly, forward wholesale electricity prices for 2025 declined slightly this quarter.” Click through the tiles below to view the key insights. Dive into the detail: https://lnkd.in/g8nD29sz #Wholesale #Energy #Industry #Insights

Engaging with a range of community and industry voices is essential for the decisions we need to make on behalf of consumers. Your input is invaluable to us in shaping outcomes that will have impact well into the future. Today we started public consultation on the stage 1 contingent project application from TasNetworks for the North West Transmission Developments project. This project is an upgrade to the electricity transmission network, supporting Tasmania’s objective to become a world-leading renewable energy provider and double clean energy production by 2040. The contingent project application that TasNetworks has provided outlines the amount of revenue they seek to recover from their customers to deliver this upgrade. 🗓️ Submissions are open until 15 November 2024. Have your say and learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/gZ_MSvji