EPRA INQUIRY
Senate Select Committee on
Energy Planning and Regulation in Australia
On the 16th of September 2024 Senator Van launched a Senate inquiry into energy planning and regulation in Australia.
The inquiry investigated how the energy system is planned, regulated and governed. The criteria assessed whether this will decarbonise electricity generation as quickly as possible while ensuring price, reliability and security of supply of electricity are maintained in the long term interests of consumers.
Over five hearing days, during which more than 82 submissions were reviewed and over 35 witnesses from academia, government, non for profits and think tanks provided evidence. The committee found that the existing governance and planning frameworks are not adequate for an ageing energy system that is undergoing the rapid change required to decarbonise our economy.
The Committee’s report provides 22 recommendations covering governance, planning, consumers and economic efficiency, aiming to address the systemic issues seen in Australia's energy market.
“This inquiry was set up purely to find ways to do things better, such that we can achieve our goals as a nation far faster and far cheaper.”
— Chair of the Committee, Independent Senator David Van
Senator Van’s Media Release
EPRA Inquiry Launch, 16 September 2024
EPRA Committee Report Release, 20 December 2024
Ongoing Work
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The full committee report was released on 20 December 2024.
Day 1:
EPRA Hearing Program, 23 October 2024
Hansard Transcript, 23 October 2024
Submissions, 23 October 2024
EPRA Public Hearings
AEMO
AEMC
Professor Michael Brear & Dylan McConnell
DCEEW
Additional Documents
Energy Ministers’ response to the review of the Integrated System Plan
note - the ‘Review of ISP’ was not published, however on 1 March 2024, Ministers considered the review of the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) Integrated System Plan (ISP) and accepted its 15 recommendations. Refer to Day 2 for the discussion on this review.
Energy Networks Australia, Australian Energy Council, Nexa Advisory
EPRA Hearing Program, 31 October 2024
Hansard Transcript, 31 October 2024
Submissions, 31 October 2024
Bruce Mountain, Mr Ted Woodley and Grattan Institute
Energy Advisory Panel (Including ACCC Commissioner) and Australian Energy Regular (AER)
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
AEMO
Energy Consumers Australia
Day Three:
EPRA Hearing Program, 30 October 2024
Hansard Transcript, 30 October 2024
Submissions, 30 October 2024
HumeLink Alliance Incorporated, Regional Victoria Power Alliance, Australian Resources Development
AER
Institute of Public Affairs, Geoff Bongers & Robert Barr
Day Two:
EPRA Hearing Program, 29 October 2024
Hansard Transcript, 29 October 2024
Submissions, 29 October 2024
Day Four:
Day Five:
Justice and Equity Centre, Penelope Crossley, Centre for Independent Studies, Nuclear for Climate, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, The Energy Hub, Independent Engineers, Scientists and Professionals, Engineers Australia, Renewables Panel, Clean Energy Investment Group
Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) and Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
EPRA Committee Membership
Chair Senator David Van | Independent, VIC
Deputy Chair Senator Karen Grogan | Australian Labor Party, SA
Members:
Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan |The Nationals, QLD
Senator the Hon Jonathan Duniam | Liberal Party of Australia, TAS
Senator Varun Ghosh | Australian Labor Party, WA
Senator David Pocock | Independent, ACT
Senator Larissa Waters | Australian Greens, QLD
Terms of Reference
That a select committee, to be known as the Select Committee on Energy Planning and Regulation in Australia, be established to inquire into the institutional structures, governance, regulation, functions, and operation of the Australian energy market, with particular reference to:
(a) the three overarching laws within which energy markets are governed:
National Electricity Law,
National Gas Law, and
National Energy Retail Law;
(b) the role and function of the Australian Energy Regulator;
(c) the role and function of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), including its development of the Integrated System Plan in accordance with the National Electricity Objectives;
(d) the role and function of the Australian Energy Market Commission;
(e) the role and function of Energy Consumers Australia;
(f) the role and function of state energy regulators;
(g) the statutory framework which supports consideration of stakeholder views and the public interest; and
(h) any other related matters.
(2) That the committee present its final report on 20 December 2024.
The resolution establishing the Committee is available in the Journals of the Senate No.132 – 16 September 2024.