PIAC provided a response to AEMO Services on the Draft 2023 Infrastructure Investment Objectives Report.
We commend the Consumer Trustee on the thoroughness of the report and the information and consultation sessions that have accompanied it.
We recommend two broad improvements to future IIO reports to build on this good work.
First, the reports and consultation process should be set up in a way that facilitates meaningful input from non-expert stakeholders. Currently the only meaningful inputs are from technical experts. Greater depth and nuance would be added to the report by including a breadth of perspectives.
Second, the impacts of decisions and scenarios referred to in the reports on carbon emissions should be added. This would not add value to AEMO Services in their role as Consumer Trustee, but it would provide a foundation for policymakers – the NSW Government – to trade off carbon emission reductions against other goods. Importantly, it would provide a venue for consumers and other stakeholders to provide input on their preferences for these trade-offs.
