ENA welcomes the Vic Government response to Bushfire Royal Commission recommendations

Canberra, 27 August 2010: The Energy Networks Association (ENA), as the peak national body for
Australia’s energy network businesses, has today welcomed the Victorian Government’s response to the
recommendations from Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission Final Report.

ENA Chief Executive, Andrew Blyth said: ‘Today’s response from the Victorian Government to the
Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission recommendations is significant for Victorian electricity distribution
businesses, as well as the broader community.

‘ENA and its members support the establishment of the Powerlines Bushfire Safety Taskforce. We are
committed to working constructively to explore, with the electricity industry and broader community, a
range of options and new technologies to further minimise the risk of bushfires caused by electrical
assets’, said Mr Blyth.

‘It is essential that the full range of available options is considered, based on the latest technologies and
robust risk analysis. Our members operate some of the largest and most reliable energy networks and
each year meet their comprehensive bushfire mitigation plans and maintenance programs to ensure the
safe delivery of electricity to the communities they serve’, said Mr Blyth.

Mr Blyth also stated that, ‘ENA and its members have always been committed to working with energy
regulators to improve and upgrade the electricity network and we welcome initiatives that lead to a
more efficient, reliable and safer system.

‘ENA is looking forward to working with Premier John Brumby and the Victorian Minister for Energy, the
Hon Peter Batchelor MP, to achieve a beneficial result for both the community and industry. ENA
believes that through this collaborative approach we can reach an outcome that creates a safer
environment for the community, while also maintaining the viability of the energy network businesses’,
said Mr Blyth.

Ends.

Contact:
Andrew Blyth, Chief Executive
phone: 02 6272 1555
mobile: 0408 977 758
web: www.ena.asn.au | email: info@ena.asn.au

ENA is the peak national body for Australia’s energy networks; and represents gas distribution and electricity network businesses on economic, technical, environment and safety regulation as well as national energy policy issues.

ENA media release—ENA welcomes the Vic Government response to Bushfire Royal Commission recommendations—27 August 2010 [PDF 47 KB]

Natural Gas—a solution to Australia’s transport energy security

Canberra, 5 August 2010: Energy Networks Association (ENA) Chief Executive, Andrew Blyth is today calling on the Prime Minister and the Federal Opposition Leader to agree to the establishment of a joint industry-government taskforce that would be charged with creating a blueprint for using natural gas in lieu of conventional transport fuels.

ENA Chief Executive, Andrew Blyth said: ‘The key driver behind this taskforce is to ensure that both industry and government recognise the substantial benefits that natural gas can offer in enhancing Australia’s energy security, particularly in the transport sector.’

The proposed taskforce would:

• produce a blueprint for the future development of the industry and outline cooperative actions that could be pursued by government and industry
• examine the possible establishment of a gas vehicle and technology infrastructure fund to reduce the costs of entry for suppliers of natural gas vehicles and infrastructure, and
• examine any current legislative barriers that may impede the widespread adoption of alternative fuels such as natural gas.

ENA looks forward to receiving in-principle agreement to the establishment of this taskforce and is committed to ensuring that government, industry and the community recognise the substantial benefits available through the adoption of natural gas as a transport fuel.

Andrew is speaking today at the Australian Energy & Utility Summit at 2pm in Luna Park, Sydney.

Ends.
Contact:
Simon Bourke, Policy and Media Advisor
phone: 02 6272 1555
mobile: 0402 219 198

web: www.ena.asn.au | email: info@ena.asn.au

ENA is the peak national body for Australia’s energy networks; and represents gas distribution and electricity network businesses on economic, technical, environment and safety regulation as well as national energy policy issues.

Natural Gas—a solution to Australia’s transport energy security [PDF 53 KB], 5 August 2010

Gas powered vehicles—call for joint industry-government taskforce [PDF 355 KB], August 2010

ENA welcomes the release of the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission Final Report

Canberra, 2 August 2010: The Energy Networks Association (ENA), as the peak national body for Australia’s energy network businesses, has today welcomed the recent release of the Final Report from the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission.

ENA Chief Executive, Andrew Blyth said: ‘The energy network industry is acutely aware of the importance of the recommendations outlined in the Royal Commission’s Final Report. ENA is committed to assisting our members and the Victorian Government in reaching an outcome that creates a safer environment for the community, while also maintaining the viability of the energy network businesses.

‘ENA and its members have always been committed to working with energy regulators to improve and upgrade the electricity network and we welcome initiatives that lead to a more efficient, reliable and safer system ’, said Mr Blyth.

‘ENA acknowledges that some of the recommendations outlined in the Final Report call for a significant amount of change to the way the Victorian electricity network is currently physically structured. It is for this reason that ENA is committed to working with Premier John Brumby and the Victorian Minister for Energy, the Hon. Peter Batchelor MP, to achieve a beneficial outcome for both the community and industry‘, said Mr Blyth.

‘The industry is aware that the outcomes of this Royal Commission may influence the way electricity networks are structured in other jurisdictions and we are therefore keen to work closely with the Government to ensure that the best possible outcomes for all stakeholders are achieved. This cooperation was evident in ENA’s participation earlier this year in a workshop, held in conjunction with the Royal Commission, that is investigating options for supplying electricity to sparsely populated and
rural areas’, said Mr Blyth ENA is currently awaiting the Victorian Government’s response to the recommendations and expects to discuss this issue as an industry at the upcoming meeting of the ENA Board, of which Shane Breheny (Citipower/Powercor, CEO) is the Chairman.

Ends.

Contact:
Andrew Blyth, Chief Executive
phone: 02 6272 1555
mobile: 0408 977 758
web: www.ena.asn.au | email: info@ena.asn.au

ENA is the peak national body for Australia’s energy networks; and represents gas distribution and electricity network businesses
on economic, technical, environment and safety regulation as well as national energy policy issues.

ENA welcomes the release of the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission Final Report, [PDF 47 KB], 2 August 2010

ENA welcomes the historic election of a new Prime Minister

ENA welcomes the historic election of a new Prime Minister [PDF 49 KB]

Canberra, 24 June 2010: The Energy Networks Association (ENA), as the peak national body for Australia’s energy network businesses, has today welcomed the historic announcement that The Hon Julia Gillard MP has been elected as the first ever female Prime Minister of Australia. ENA also congratulates The Hon Wayne Swan MP on being elected as Deputy Prime Minister.

ENA Chief Executive, Andrew Blyth said: ‘The energy network industry has appreciated Julia Gillard’s efforts to improve skills and training for our sector under her previous portfolio. ENA particularly welcomed the 2009 announcement of the Green Skills initiative which aimed to introduce environmental awareness training into apprenticeships, as well as the more recent announcement in May of $300 million of investment in a Critical Skills Investment Fund, extension of the Apprentice Kickstart Program and a move to smarter apprenticeships.

‘ENA is looking forward to working closely with the new Prime Minster and the Government in what is a critical time for the energy network industry. ENA members are facing a fundamental change in the way they operate their business and meet the challenges of increased demand, energy efficiency and climate change’, said Mr Blyth.

‘The introduction of smart networks will be a critical tool to assist both ENA members and consumers in addressing these challenges. ENA recently welcomed the Government’s announcement of the Smart Grid, Smart City initiative to be led by EnergyAustralia. This is an important first step in recognising the benefits and challenges associated with modernising the electricity network and empowering the consumer’ said Mr Blyth.

ENA looks forward to the Government’s continued cooperation and support in working with ENA and its members to create a more effective, efficient and smarter energy network that can address today’s challenges and have the ability to adapt to the challenges of tomorrow.

Ends.

Contact:
Andrew Blyth, Chief Executive
phone: 02 6272 1555
mobile: 0408 977 758
web: www.ena.asn.au | email: info@ena.asn.au

ENA is the peak national body for Australia’s energy networks; and represents gas distribution and electricity network businesses on economic, technical, environment and safety regulation as well as national energy policy issues.

ENA media release—Study into benefits and impacts of renewable energy on networks—an ENA & CSIRO Joint Project

ENA media release—Study into benefits and impacts of renewable energy on networks—an ENA & CSIRO Joint Project, [PDF 49 KB]

Media Release—for immediate distribution
22 June 2010

Study into benefits and impacts of renewable energy on networks—an ENA & CSIRO Joint Project

Canberra, 22 June 2010: The Energy Networks Association (ENA) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) are pleased to announce the commencement of a joint project focused on exploring the impacts and benefits of embedded generation for Australian electricity networks.

This project expands on earlier work commissioned by CSIRO in 2008 to study the value and impacts of embedded generation from an electricity network perspective.

ENA Chief Executive, Andrew Blyth said: ‘This important joint project between ENA and CSIRO will provide valuable information for electricity network businesses to increase their understanding of the potential benefits and impacts of embedded generation, as well as preparing network businesses for higher penetration of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic cells.

‘Importantly, the main outcome of the project will be a comprehensive and practical report for ENA members to use in developing strategies, operational plans, and staff training material that will assist in the future development of the network’, said Mr Blyth.

‘Specifically, the study will allow network businesses to better plan and design their grids to cope with the uptake of renewable generation technology. This will be done by modelling a range of different embedded generation scenarios’, advised Mr Blyth.

In addition to considering different scenarios and case studies, the project will look at the ability of renewable energy technologies to integrate effectively into a network. The study will also look at possible barriers that may impact on the benefits of utilising the uptake of renewable energy.

ENA expects the report to be finalised and completed by November 2010.

Ends.

Contact:
Andrew Blyth, Chief Executive
phone: 02 6272 1555
mobile: 0408 977 758
web: www.ena.asn.au | email: info@ena.asn.au

ENA is the peak national body for Australia’s energy networks; and represents gas distribution and electricity network businesses on economic, technical, environment and safety regulation as well as national energy policy issues.

ENA congratulates EnergyAustralia—Smart Grid, Smart City winner

ENA congratulates EnergyAustralia—Smart Grid, Smart City winner [PDF 52 KB]

Canberra, 7 June 2010: The Energy Networks Association (ENA) Chief Executive, Andrew Blyth, congratulates one of ENA’s member companies, EnergyAustralia, which was today announced as the successful bidder for the Government’s $100 million Smart Grid, Smart City demonstration project.

The main site for Australia’s first commercial-scale smart grid project will be in Newcastle with other parts of the trial to be conducted in Scone, Homebush, Ku-ring-gai and the Sydney CBD. The EnergyAustralia consortium includes IBM Australia, AGL, GE Energy, TransGrid, Newcastle City Council and the NSW Government.

Mr Blyth said: ‘The Smart Grid, Smart City project is a positive step in helping Australia move towards a smarter and more energy efficient network and ENA is pleased that EnergyAustralia has been selected to lead this important program.’

Mr Blyth said: ‘This demonstration project will provide industry with important information on the costs and benefits of smart grid technologies and how they can be used to effectively integrate renewable energy sources as well as improve energy efficiency, quality and reliability‘.

‘I would also like to acknowledge that the vast majority of ENA’s member companies are actively progressing the concept of smart networks (smart grids) throughout their businesses,’ said My Blyth. ‘ENA members realise that smart networks are essential to allow for the more efficient use, delivery and consumption of power throughout Australia. Importantly, smart networks also equip consumers with the information and tools needed to improve energy usage in homes and businesses.’

ENA is expecting to hold a Smart Networks Summit in conjunction with EnergyAustralia in March 2011, which will also allow for a presentation on the details and progress of the Smart Grid, Smart City project.

Ends.

Contact:
Andrew Blyth, Chief Executive
phone: 02 6272 1555
web: www.ena.asn.au | email: info@ena.asn.au

ENA is the peak national body for Australia’s energy networks; and represents gas distribution and electricity network businesses on economic, technical, environment and safety regulation as well as national energy policy issues.

ENA media release—Smart meters to play key role in our economic and environmental future—electricity suppliers

21 May 2010

The rollout of smart meters across Victoria is essential for the State to manage its future energy use and respond to significant global environmental challenges, says the Energy Networks Association, which represents the Victorian electricity supply industry.

“Current criticisms of the Smart Meter Program overlook the size and complexity of the energy and environmental issues that our society needs to respond to,” said Energy Networks Association Chairman Shane Breheny.

“These are significant issues that every advanced country is wrestling with. In 20 years, smart meters will be standard items the world over. Victorians can be pleased their state is again leading the way in electricity reform in Australia,” he said.

“Victorian electricity distributors are doing their bit. More than 100,000 smart meters have been installed, on schedule and on budget, and are ready to be activated as interval meters in the future.

The meters being exchanged are on average 30 years old, and many would have had to be replaced.

The replacement program also delivers a safety outcome that in itself justifies the expenditure.

The costs are independently scrutinised by the Australian Energy Regulator, who also ensures that the benefits and savings created by smart meters are passed through to consumers.

Mr Breheny warned that major delays or even the cancellation of the smart meter program would significantly limit the industry’s ability to introduce service improvements and innovations for Victorians for years to come, and prevent consumers from receiving benefits they were paying for.

“The industry has invested large amounts of time and money to establish the Smart Meter Program, in accordance with Victorian government policy. Electricity is an industry that operates in very long term life cycles, and short term policy changes can be costly for both consumers and investors,” he said.

Smart meters will allow every home and business to understand its energy use in real time, and give consumers access to the tools that will allow them to make their own decisions about how they use and pay for electricity.

Smart meters will also allow noticeable improvements for all Victorians in reliability, supply quality, bill accuracy, and customer service after the rollout is completed.
Existing metering technology dates from the 19th century. It does not provide consumption information in timely fashion, and effectively prevents consumers managing their electricity usage as well as they might.

“Energy Ministers have confirmed that energy costs are going up, and so is the environmental impact of our power consumption. That means it is more important than ever to put in place tools that allow effective measurement of power consumption,” Mr Breheny said.

There have been changes in costs since the program was first conceived. These have been primarily driven by changes to the timing and scope of the program, not by the quality or efficiency of its management or governance.

Some aspects of the introduction of smart meters are still being managed. The industry is constructively participating with other stakeholders, including consumer and community representatives, in forums the Victorian Government has set up, and within the processes run by independent industry regulators.

Other innovations, such as home area networks and retail tariffs, will evolve on a commercial basis through the Victorian retail energy market—the most competitive electricity market in the world.

“The industry is confident that appropriate outcomes in the best interests of the community can be reached. Most importantly, consumers should and can expect education programs to help them understand and manage their energy use,” Mr Breheny said.

Victorians understand that electricity is our biggest single contribution to climate change. To respond effectively, we need changes everywhere along the electricity chain—power generation, supply networks, and at every power point where energy is consumed.

Smart meters are the foundation stone that will in time allow consumers—all of us—to participate in that vital project. Installing and operating them is a job which takes time, money, education, and behaviour changes.

The alternative is higher cost increases, lack of investment and industry inefficiencies, and an impeded response to climate change. It is a price the community, and indeed the world, can ill afford.

Ends

For media enquiries, please contact Hugo Armstrong on 0419 311 928

ENA media release—Smart meters to play key role in our economic and environmental future—electricity suppliers [PDF 46 KB], 21 May 2010

ENA media release—Networks to play key role in achieving energy efficiency goal—Federal Budget 2010

12 May 2010—ENA Media Release
For immediate release

Networks to play key role in achieving energy efficiency goal—Federal Budget 2010

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) welcomes the Federal Budget announcement of a number of key renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. Australia’s energy network businesses can assist the delivery of outcomes in these areas through the development of smart networks.

The Australian Government will commit a further $652.5 million over four years to establish a Renewable Energy Future Fund to support Australia’s response to climate change. The Fund will provide additional support for the development and deployment of renewable and low carbon energy projects. The Fund will also enhance the take-up of industrial, commercial and residential energy efficiency, helping Australian businesses and households reduce their energy consumption.

‘Energy network businesses are very conscious of the importance of energy efficiency—not only for the environment and the community but also as a solution to many of the challenges facing energy transmission and distribution businesses in a carbon-constrained world in the future’, said ENA Chief Executive, Andrew Blyth.

‘The ability to accommodate the increasing demand for energy, energy security and the better utilisation of existing assets are primary considerations. At this point in time we see real potential for energy efficiency programs to complement work underway on demand management as one means of optimising future investment in new energy supply infrastructure’, said Mr Blyth.

Many of ENA’s members are actively involved in a number of energy efficiency projects, including providing audits and information to help consumers understand how they can save energy.

‘Given increasing demands for electricity and the need to reduce carbon emissions, it is essential to transform the way electricity is delivered and used. Smart electricity networks are a vital component of this transformation. By optimising network operations and facilitating customer responses, smart networks can deliver future electricity supplies that are more reliable, more environmentally sustainable and more cost effective.

‘Smart networks will assist in enabling the development of a range of applications, appliances, services (such as internet portals and in-home displays) and price structures that offer the potential for customers to understand and manage their energy use. In addition, smart networks will ensure the smooth integration of renewable and low emission distributed generation sources into the grid.

‘These practical tools provide a means through which customers can potentially alter their behaviour, such as reducing energy consumption or shifting the timing of their energy use, in order to reduce their emissions and make their electricity purchases more affordable,’ said Mr Blyth.

Andrew Blyth
ENA Chief Executive
M 0408 977 758

The Energy Networks Association represents gas distribution and electricity transmission and distribution network businesses on economic, technical and safety regulation and national energy policy issues. Energy is delivered across Australia through approximately 48 000 kilometres of electricity transmission lines, 800 000 kilometres of electricity distribution lines and some 80 000 kilometres of gas distribution pipelines. Energy network businesses own and operate infrastructure assets valued at over $60 billion and annually undertake an average investment of approximately $6 billion in network operations, reinforcement, expansions and green-field extensions.

ENA media release—Networks to play key role in achieving energy efficiency goal—Federal Budget 2010 [PDF 47.65 KB]

Earth Hour 2010—energy networks’ participation

Canberra, 26 March 2010: Members of the Energy Networks Association (ENA) are supporting Earth Hour by switching off all non-essential equipment, such as lights and computers, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, on Saturday 27 March 2010 to raise awareness of climate change issues.

ENA media release—Earth Hour 2010—energy networks’ participation [PDF 48 KB], 26 March 2010

ENA media release—Networks welcome Coalition’s study on burying power lines—but study must dig deep for answers

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) welcomes the Coalition’s announcement of a climate change strategy based on direct action to reduce emissions and improve our environment. In particular, ENA welcomes the Coalition’s commitment to allocate $2 million for a major study into the use and application of underground High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission within Australia.

ENA media release—Networks welcome Coalition’s study on burying power lines—but study must dig deep for answers, 3 February 2010

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