Australian Energy Regulator

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

As a regulator we must remain flexible and adapt our work in line with industry and government changes.     Last year, Energy Ministers agreed to changes to the national energy laws to include an emissions reduction objective in the National Energy Objectives as a clear signal to industry, market participants and the public of the governments' commitment to achieve a decarbonised, modern and reliable grid.      So today we published our final decision that sets out changes to our Expenditure Forecast Assessment Guidelines for electricity distribution and transmission to consider this objective in setting efficient expenditure allowances.    Our final decision also sets out the next steps for stakeholders who would like to provide input on the separate consultation for the emissions reduction guidance note.     Dive into the detail on our website: https://lnkd.in/gQdk3em2   #Amendments #EnergyIndustry #Renewables

Innovation in regulation 💡 We have opened consultation seeking your views on PLUS ES's trial waiver application.    PLUS ES submitted an application for a trial waiver with the AER through our Energy Innovation Toolkit, a space designed to help energy innovators and start-ups test new ideas, products and services in a real-world setting while keeping consumer protection front and centre.     PLUS ES is seeking a waiver from provisions of the National Electricity Rules to allow it to install EV chargers with in-built metering installations that do not meet all the requirements of relevant Australian Standards for outdoor metering installations.     🗓️ Submissions are open until 12 November 2024. Have your say and learn more: https://lnkd.in/gJhe4v5a   #EnergyInnovationToolkit #Innovation #Stakeholders #Engagement

Community and industry engagement is a vital part of our approach to regulation. We welcome your input to better inform the decisions that we make. Today, we released an issues paper on the 2025-26 Default Market Offer (DMO 7) price determination, highlighting proposed updates to our pricing methodology. Your voice matters - help shape the way we calculate the DMO. 🗓️ Submissions are open until 8 November 2024. Have your say and learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/ggt4ZUWf #DMO #DefaultMarketOffer #Engagement #Stakeholders

🌟 Shaping the future of energy in South Australia 🌟   Yesterday our Adelaide team had the privilege of exploring the SA Power Networks Innovation Centre - a groundbreaking facility at the forefront of testing and trialling cutting-edge energy technologies. With a world-leading uptake of Consumer Energy Resources, like rooftop solar, South Australia is blazing a trail towards a renewable future.   One project that really caught our attention is the Energy Masters Trial - a $13.8 million initiative that will have a meaningful impact in 500 local homes! Not only will it help Australian families save on their energy bills, but it’s also redefining how we optimise energy use to support a smarter, more reliable grid. ⚡️🏡   We’re proud to be a part of a community that’s embracing innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the energy sector! Thank you to James Brown and Liam Mallamo for having us.   #Innovation #EnergyFuture #Sustainability #Renewables #WeAreAER