AEMO CEO, Daniel Westerman spoke at Australian Energy Week 2023 today on ‘Managing the tensions in the energy transition to maximise the benefits for all Australians’. In his speech, Westerman spoke of the tensions and challenges of the transition indicating this is not a David versus Goliath battle.

Instead of fast-tracking of new transmission links, regulators, law makers, government and AEMO should be fast-tracking the reform that is necessary for a smoother, more robust, and defensible transition. This is the role of all policymakers.

Simon Bartlett (AM) and Professor Bruce Mountain, both seasoned energy market experts, have submitted a detailed critique of AEMO’s Consultation Report. They conclude that AEMO’s preferred option, if developed, will be the biggest single expense in the Victorian transmission system in more than 50 years and the biggest mistake in transmission planning in living memory.

February (2023) has been a huge month in the Australian Energy market, particularly in Victoria with significant announcements being made by the Andrews Labor Government, VicGrid and the Australian Energy Market Operator – Victorian Planning (AVP). Have these announcements gone as planned?

Undergrounding HVDC may cost three times more than an overhead HVAC solution but when every dollar spent on engineering resilience saves six dollars spent on disaster recovery, maybe Australians will appreciate the benefits of a common-sense plan to keep the lights on.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) released a paper today ahead of the Jobs Summit. The report, ‘Secure Jobs for a Safer Climate’, shows how Australia’s energy transition has been chaotic to date. While AEMOs ISP and associated RIT-Ts do not consider Victoria’s jobs, economic and energy future, its critically important Governments do.

A new report argues that energy ministers will need to increase the benefits to regional communities that host large-scale transmission infrastructure if governments want to ensure continued support for renewable energy. Energy Grid Alliance believe they are missing the point; Social licence cannot be bought, it must be earned.

Until the viability of VNI West has been tested and proven, it raises significant concern about the value and economic viability of the WVTNP. Without VNI West, the WVTNP has no to little value at all and will not deliver the outcomes AEMO, AusNet Services and the Victorian Government claim that it will.

A Statement of Expectations, Code of Practice and Accountability Mechanisms are urgently needed to ensure electricity transmission companies are fulfilling their obligations when accessing land under section 93 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000.  Energy Grid Alliance has recently made a submission to the Statement of Expectations consultation process, detailing concerns and highlighting areas where land access protocols can be improved. Have your say before 19 April 2022.

Today Ausnet Services has revised the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) submission date for the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP) to enable more time to consult with landholders prior to submitting the EES on the proposed route and complete the field surveys and investigations required.