News Topic ID

AEMC appoints AGL’s Suzanne Falvi to Reliability Panel as market customer representative

03 April 2025

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) today announced the appointment of Ms Suzanne Falvi as the new market customer representative on the Reliability Panel.

Ms Falvi, who is Executive General Manager of Corporate Affairs at AGL, brings over a decade of experience in energy regulation, governance, and policy reform.

Her extensive background includes senior leadership roles at both the Energy Security Board and the AEMC, where she led significant reforms across energy and climate change frameworks.

Ms Falvi's appointment strengthens the Panel with her deep expertise in strategic stakeholder engagement, communications, and economic analysis.

The appointment follows a comprehensive nomination and voting process as required by the National Electricity Rules, which included consultation with all registered market customers and integrated resource providers with market connections.

The AEMC extends its sincere gratitude to outgoing Panel member Keith Robinson from Origin Energy for his significant contributions to the Reliability Panel during his tenure.

About the Reliability Panel

The Reliability Panel is a specialist body established under the National Electricity Law and falls under the AEMC.

The Panel is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the security and reliability of the national electricity system. It determines standards and guidelines used by market participants to maintain a secure power system for consumers.

The Panel comprises representatives from across the National Electricity Market, including consumers, generators, networks, retailers and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

For more information about current Panel members, please visit our website.

Media: Jessica Rich, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au.

Reliability Panel Reviews System Restart Standard and Seeks Stakeholder Input

12 December 2024

The Reliability Panel has commenced a review of the system restart standard following receipt of terms of reference from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC).

The Chair of the Reliability Panel, Tim Jordan, says the review comes at a crucial time for the energy sector.

"As our electricity system undergoes unprecedented change, we need to ensure our system restart processes remain fit for purpose."

‘’This review is both timely and critical given the transformation underway in Australia's electricity system,’’ he said.

The power system is experiencing unprecedented change with thermal generation units progressively retiring alongside increasing transmission-connected renewable generation, batteries and distribution-connected resources.

Maintaining system security through this transition is crucial for achieving a stable, decarbonised electricity system.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) reports growing challenges in securing adequate System Restart Ancillary Services (SRAS) across the National Electricity Market.

SRAS providers help kick-start the power system by providing energy to other generators following a major blackout, which in turn restore supply to consumers.

Current challenges include:

increasing reliance on a shrinking pool of SRAS providers
scarcity of SRAS capability among new transmission-level generators
rising system restoration risks from high levels of distribution-connected PV generation.

To address these challenges, the regulatory framework may need updating to provide clear investment signals that support competitive and efficient system restart services. This will help ensure better outcomes for consumers.

The review comprises two stages:

Framework Review: Assessing whether current regulatory arrangements suit the future power system outlined in AEMO's Integrated System Plan
Standard Update: Revising the system restart standard based on stage one findings, considering major supply disruption risks and SRAS availability and costs

The Panel has released an issues paper seeking stakeholder feedback on:

future requirements for system restart planning
barriers to developing new system restart capability
improvements to drive investment in system restart services.

"With new technologies entering the market and traditional generators retiring, it's critical we get the Standard right. I encourage all stakeholders to engage with this review to help shape a resilient and secure energy future,’’ Mr Jordan said.

Submissions close 30 January 2025. The AEMC welcomes input from all stakeholders on this important review.

Media: Jessica Rich, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au

AEMC announces reappointments and new vacancy on Reliability Panel

19 September 2024

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) today announced an update on the composition of the Reliability Panel, including two reappointments and the commencement of a process to fill a vacancy for a Market Customer representative.

Peter Price and Melissa Perrow reappointed

Peter Price from Energy Queensland and Melissa Perrow from Brickworks have been reappointed to the Reliability Panel, continuing their roles as Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) representative and discretionary member representing large energy users, respectively.

AEMC Commissioner Tim Jordan, who chairs the Reliability Panel, said ''we are delighted to have Peter and Melissa continue their valuable work on the Panel. Their expertise and experience are crucial in our efforts to maintain a safe, secure, and reliable national electricity system.''

Mr Price, Chief Engineer at Energy Queensland, brings over 40 years of electricity industry experience to the role. He also serves on the Queensland Energy System Advisory Board and chairs Energy Skills Queensland. He has served on the Reliability Panel since 2021.

Ms Perrow, General Manager of Energy at Brickworks Limited, is responsible for managing the energy needs of large energy users. She is board member of the Energy Users Association of Australia (EUAA) and has been an active participant in Major Energy Users (MEU). She has served on the Reliability Panel since 2021.

Call for nominations from Market Customers for Reliability Panel representative

Following the resignation of Keith Robertson, the AEMC is now seeking nominations for a new Market Customer representative on the Reliability Panel.

''We express our sincerest gratitude to Keith Robertson for his valuable contributions over the past five years,'' said Mr Jordan.

''We now invite eligible executive-level employees from Registered Market Customers to put themselves forward for this crucial role.''

Key points about the nomination process:

The position is open to executive-level employees of Registered Market Customers
The appointment is for a three-year term
Nominees must have support from at least one-third of Registered Market Customers
Market Customers will vote on proposed candidates

About the Reliability Panel

The Reliability Panel plays a key role in supporting a safe, secure and reliable national electricity system and is responsible for recommending the reliability standard and market settings, such as the market price cap.

The Panel is currently chaired by AEMC Commissioner Tim Jordan and comprises representatives from various sectors of the energy industry, including consumer groups, generators, network businesses, technology developers, retailers, and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Interested parties should contact Victoria Mollard, Executive General Manager – Economics and System Security (02) 8296 7872 or victoria.mollard@aemc.gov.au or visit our Reliability Panel page.

Media: Jessica Rich, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au

The AEMC welcomes a new TNSP representative to the Reliability Panel

30 May 2024

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Stewart Bell from Powerlink Queensland as the new Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) representative on the Reliability Panel.

Dr Bell’s appointment follows a rigorous nomination and voting process outlined in the National Electricity Rules, which involved seeking feedback from all eleven registered TNSPs.

With over three decades of experience in the electricity industry, Dr Bell has been responsible for planning the Queensland transmission network since 2012.

During his tenure, Powerlink has enabled over 7 GW of renewable generation and storage projects. Currently, Dr Bell serves as the Executive General Manager of Network and Business Development at Powerlink Queensland.

The AEMC would like to express its sincere gratitude to the outgoing Panel member, Stephen Clark from TasNetworks, for his invaluable contributions to the Reliability Panel over recent years.

For more information about the appointment process for the TNSP representative to the Reliability Panel, please refer to the National Electricity Rules.

To learn more about the current members of the Reliability Panel, please visit our website.

Media: Jessica Rich, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au.

Annual Market Performance Review for FY2023

02 May 2024

The Annual Market Performance Review of the National Electricity Market (NEM) for the 2022 - 23 financial year is underway.

The review, carried out by the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) Reliability Panel, will evaluate the power system's performance against key reliability, security, and safety measures, providing essential information, insights, and analysis for energy market participants.

The Panel will gather data from various sources, including the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Australian Energy Regulator, jurisdictional regulators, and other market participants, to conduct its assessment.

The review is carried out in accordance with the standing Terms of Reference set by the AEMC.

The Panel aims to publish the completed review by 27 June 2024.

Please visit the project page for more information and contact details, should you have any queries about the review.

Media: Jessica Rich, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au

Call for nominations from TNSPs for Reliability Panel representative

28 March 2024

Registered Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs) are encouraged to submit their nominations for a new member to represent their Registered Participant Class on the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) Reliability Panel. The Reliability Panel plays a key role in supporting a safe, secure and reliable national electricity system and is responsible for recommending the reliability standard and market settings, such as the market price cap.

The Panel also establishes technical standards and guidelines in line with the National Electricity Rules, including the frequency operating standard.

The Panel is currently chaired by AEMC Commissioner Charles Popple and includes a range of market participants from consumer groups, generators, network businesses, developers of new technology, retailers and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

The current representative for TNSPs, Stephen Clark, has recently resigned from his role on the Panel. Any executive-level employee who works for a Registered TNSP is eligible and may put themselves forward to represent the TNSP class.

A TNSP representative will be appointed for a term of three years. Submissions for nominations will close 5pm AEDT, 15 April 2024.

The AEMC is required under the National Electricity Rules (clause 8.8.2) to appoint a TNSP representative that has the support of at least one-third of Registered Generators.

TNSPs have been directly notified of the opportunity to submit a nomination and, following nominations, Registered TNSPs will be asked to vote on proposed candidates.

To find out more, please contact Victoria Mollard, Executive General Manager – Economics and System Security (02) 8296 7872 or victoria.mollard@aemc.gov.au or visit our Reliability Panel page.

Media: Jessica Rich, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au.

Reliability Panel to apply new emissions reduction objective

12 October 2023

The Reliability Panel will apply an emissions reduction objective in its day-to-day duties including development of standards, guidelines, reports and recommendations for the energy market, with the release of a guide for decision-making today.

Publication of the guide follows the passing and gazettal of the Emissions Reduction Objectives Bill 2023 in South Australian parliament on 14 June to cement the emissions reduction component in the National Electricity Objective.

This component will now be considered in the Reliability Panel’s work, alongside existing National Electricity Objective criteria that already guide the Panel’s work, such as price, quality, safety, reliability and security.

Delivered in support of the change, the formal guidance outlines how the Panel will apply the new objective in its decision-making process and when making recommendations in reviews.

Where the Panel has decided to, or, is otherwise required to consider the National Electricity Objective in making a recommendation or determination, it will consider impacts on emissions reduction targets with reference to government and Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) guidance.

This includes the AEMC’s guide on how it will apply an emissions reduction objective, which was published on 22 September.

The Reliability Panel will retain the flexibility to apply emissions guidance to specific emissions guidance to specific reviews and determinations as it considers appropriate.

Stakeholders were consulted and provided feedback in the development of the Reliability Panel guide.

The Panel thanks stakeholders for their meaningful contributions, which have helped to shape the document and make the final guidance possible.

Visit the project page for more information and contact details.

About the Reliability Panel

The Reliability Panel forms part of the AEMC’s institutional setup and has functions and powers assigned to it within the National Electricity Law (NEL).

It is the responsibility of the Reliability Panel to monitor, review and report on the safety, security and reliability of the national electricity system plus perform any other functions or powers under the NEL or National Electricity Rules (NER).

The Panel is comprised of members who represent a range of participants in the National Electricity Market, including small and large consumers, generators, network businesses, retailers and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

The Panel determines the standards and some of the guidelines used by AEMO and other market participants which help to maintain a secure and reliable power system for consumers.

Media enquiries: Jessica Rich 0459 918 964 or media@aemc.gov.au

Reliability Panel publishes final decision to repeal South Australian ‘destructive winds protected event’

14 September 2023

The Reliability Panel has published its final decision to revoke the South Australian ‘destructive winds’ protected event to protect energy customers from excessive operational costs associated with maintaining power system security.

The Panel has determined that the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) will be able to effectively manage the risk of destructive winds upon South Australia’s system, using the recently revised ‘contingency re-classification’ framework.

The South Australian ‘destructive winds protected event’, also known as the “SA protected event”, is a mechanism that allows AEMO to manage risks to the South Australian power system that may be brought about by destructive winds.

It was introduced by the Reliability Panel in 2019 following the “System Black” event that occurred in South Australia on the 28 September 2016 when around 850,000 customers lost power following gale and storm force winds.

While the SA protected event has allowed AEMO to manage operational risks and take steps to constrain the amount of power being imported into South Australia during destructive winds, the addition of new transmission infrastructure and recent reforms to the contingency reclassification process mean that a new approach is needed.

Stage 1 of Project EnergyConnect (PEC1), a new interconnector between Robertstown in South Australia and Wagga Wagga in NSW, is expected to be completed in April 2024 and will change power flows into and out of South Australia.

With higher capacity transmission infrastructure in place, operational controls required under the current protected event would likely over-constrain the power system, resulting in excessive, unnecessary costs to energy customers.

Early this year, AEMO submitted a request to revoke the SA protected event and instead use the revised contingency reclassification framework, which commenced in 2023, to manage the risk of destructive winds in South Australia with the option to adjust operational controls accordingly to account for changes in the network.

The change will be in place from 30 March 2024, prior to the expected connection of PEC1 with the grid.
For more information, visit the project page.

Media: Jessica Rich, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au.

The AEMC welcomes a new appointment to the Reliability Panel

27 July 2023

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is pleased to announce the reappointment of Craig Memery from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) to the Reliability Panel.

Mr Memery returns in the capacity of end-use customer representative, with his term commencing this month.

Mr Memery has been reappointed to the role following a robust nomination and voting process that involved seeking feedback from end-use consumer groups.

Mr Memery has more than 20 years’ experience in the energy sector including 14 years as a leading consumer advocate and has held senior and advisory positions in energy consumer advocacy, energy grid operations and energy policy, infrastructure and planning. He is currently Senior Advisor, Energy, at PIAC.

More information about the appointment process for the representatives to the Reliability Panel can be found in the National Electricity Rules.

For information on the current Panel Members see here.

Media: media@aemc.gov.au.

Reliability panel begins consultation on applying emissions reduction in the national electricity objective

24 July 2023

The Reliability Panel (Panel) is seeking public feedback on a draft framework that outlines how it would apply an emissions reduction objective to its decision-making process.

The development follows steps taken by energy ministers to fast-track a plan to embed emissions targets in the National Electricity Objective (NEO), that already guides the Panel’s work around the safety, security and reliability of the national electricity system.

In its work, the Panel applies the NEO to guide its decision-making on various projects like reviewing the reliability standards and settings, and setting frequency operating standards, system restart standards, and more.

Following consultation with stakeholders, the Panel will use the draft guide to consider emissions reduction targets when making recommendations or determinations. However, the Panel retains the flexibility to apply the emissions guidance to specific reviews and determinations as it considers appropriate.

The Panel is seeking stakeholder feedback on whether its guide clearly explains how the Panel will take into account the emissions reduction component in its work, and whether further guidance would be helpful. Submissions are due by 18 August 2023.

Visit the project page for more information about the Reliability Panel's draft framework on the emissions reduction objective.

Background on the Reliability Panel

The Reliability Panel forms part of the AEMC’s institutional setup and has functions and powers assigned to it within the National Electricity Law (NEL).

It is the responsibility of the Reliability Panel to monitor, review and report on the safety, security and reliability of the national electricity system plus perform any other functions or powers under the NEL or National Electricity Rules (NER).

The Panel is comprised of members who represent a range of participants in the National Electricity Market, including small and large consumers, generators, network businesses, retailers and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

The Panel determines the standards and some of the guidelines used by AEMO and other market participants which help to maintain a secure and reliable power system for consumers.

Media enquiries: Jessica Rich | 0459 918 964 | media@aemc.gov.au

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