We need electricity distribution network planning that is well informed, transparent, efficient and strengthens general confidence in the energy transition. Network planning needs to contribute to more efficient investment and effective integration of renewable resources.
Getting this right creates significant opportunities, including making electricity more affordable for everyone. It also helps ease community concerns by reducing the need for further transmission build-out. Strengthening long-term distribution planning is critical to drive the energy transition forward.
That’s why we made a number of recommendations for greater transparency and more effective oversight in our response to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) Integrated Distribution System Planning – Directions Paper, including:
- Turning assessment of network proposals and forecasts over to an independent authority, so investment decisions aren’t shaped by incentives to overbuild networks, and to ensure more efficient demand‑side solutions (like coordination and flexibility of CER) are fairly considered.
- Aligning the strategic planning process with the revenue reset cycle (every 2.5 years) for less duplication, wider engagement and more effective review.
- Retaining the Distribution Annual Planning Report (DAPR) that includes network data and works with the strategic plan, for a policy that is effective and fit-for-purpose.
What’s next?
We’ll be engaging further on this and other changes related to network distribution and CER, advocating for further progress on reforms enabling more efficient network planning, investment and operation.
