The future course of energy investment and operation is at a turning point. The shift to new technologies and renewables is happening at speed and the need for reform is urgent as we lay the foundations for Australia’s new energy future. More consumers and producers are taking up these opportunities. Just one example of consumer choices driving structural change is the rapid spread of rooftop solar, smart appliances and other distributed energy resources that are changing the face of the market. The shift to grid-scale renewables is equally important. Australia’s power system may well become the most decentralised in the world.

This work was requested by the nation’s energy ministers in March 2019. It is all about resetting the national electricity market so consumers can benefit from rapidly changing technologies in our power system.

…unlocking the value of flexible demand and distributed energy resources.

…working alongside government schemes which are delivering on their policy commitments including emissions reduction

…clear signals for timely and efficient investment to deliver reliable, secure and affordable electricity for consumers.

The ESB’s final advice to governments, developed in consultation with consumer and industry representatives, is now complete. Its recommendations are currently before energy ministers on the Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee for consideration. Some reforms foreshadowed in these recommendations cannot wait and work is already underway, with much more to come. This reform package as a whole is essential, not optional, to allow us to meet our future energy needs. The good news is that innovative technologies we will need to complete the power system’s transformation are already available today.