Publications
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VNI Minor Upgrade contingent project application
PIAC lodged a submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) in response to TransGrid’s contingent project application for minor upgrades to the Victoria-NSW interconnector (VNI). PIAC does not have major concerns with the VNI Minor Upgrade if the proposed cost estimate of $45.0 M (real 2017-18) proves to be the actual cost and the resultant…
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TransGrid cost pass through application for 2019-20 bushfire season
PIAC lodged a submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) in response to TransGrid’s cost pass through application for the 2019-20 bushfire season. Any such cost pass through must establish that the expenditure is not only efficient but also that it is additional to what has already been allowed to prevent ‘double dipping’ from consumers. …
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Generator registration thresholds rule change
PIAC lodged a submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) consultation on proposed changes to the obligations on smaller generators that participate in central dispatch. PIAC does not support the rule change proposal. If this proposed change were implemented, these smaller generators would incur significant new capital and operating costs and hence discourage these…
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T-3 reliability instrument request for NSW in 2023-24
PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) request for T-3 reliability instrument request for NSW in 2023-24. PIAC does not support AEMO’s request as we do not consider a robust case has been made that a reliability shortfall is likely to occur. Granting a T-3 reliability instrument without this case being made risks…
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Financeability of ISP projects derogation
PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) consultation on the financeability of Integrated System Plan (ISP) projects rule change. PIAC does not support the proposed rule changes as the proposals significantly change the allocation of risks and costs, consumer engagement around the changes has not been sufficient and a counterfactual has not been…
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Wholesale Demand Response Guidelines consultation
PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) consultation into guidelines (the Guidelines) for the Wholesale Demand Response (WDR) mechanism to be introduced in October 2021. We highlight WDR benefits energy consumers as well as the broader community and that these benefits will grow as the mechanism grows and matures. We stress these benefits…
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Submission re Review of the Privacy Act 1988
PIAC lodged a submission to the Australian Government’s Review of the Privacy Act 1988, in response to the Review’s Issues Paper. Our submission calls for reform particularly in relation to the overarching objects of the Privacy Act, consent requirements, a direct right of action for breaches of the Privacy Act, and a statutory tort for…
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Data Availability and Transparency Bill Submission
PIAC made a submission to the Office of the National Data Commissioner in relation to the exposure draft of the Data Availability and Transparency Bill 2020. This Bill proposes to introduce a data sharing scheme for the sharing of public sector data held by Commonwealth Government agencies. This submission makes recommendations to increase transparency and…
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AER Review of Default Market Offer Prices 2021-22 position paper
PIAC made a submission in response to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) position paper setting Default Market Offer (DMO) prices for 2021-22. PIAC highlighted the DMO has had a range of positive impacts not only for people on standing offers, but for the bulk of consumers whose market offers are more fairly priced. We noted…
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AER draft 2020 Annual Benchmarking Reports
PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) draft 2020 Annual Benchmarking Reports for network businesses. The submission outlines comments and recommendations to assist the AER continue to adapt and refine its benchmarking method, the interpretation of the insights it provides and how these are communicated and used. We note: