INQ162

Energy Security Working Group (ESWG) recommends consideration be given to government and industry working together to understand that investment opportunities in the energy sector are realised in a timely fashion to better manage potential longer term supply shortfalls.

ESWG recommends consideration be given to expanding the role of AEMO in providing market information on gas by: 

ESWG recommends reviewing AEMO’s Gas Bulletin Board (GBB) to ensure it is effectively communicating all publicly available information to market participants to assist in monitoring daily gas supplies, and any changes to the GBB rules required to improve information and awareness of any potential

ESWG recommends consideration be given to consolidating gas and electricity network status and emergency information on one webpage for central communication.

ESWG recommends consideration be given to leveraging AEMO’s expanded responsibilities in gas markets by undertaking the role of the National Gas Emergency Response Advisory Committee (NGERAC) Secretariat while the Commonwealth continue as Chair, with the Chair’s position to be reviewed once the s

ESWG recommends National Gas Emergency Response Advisory Committee maintain its industry, jurisdiction and consumer representation noting the importance of input from each of these groups in developing its advice.

ESWG notes NGERAC already informally advises ministers on the possible effects of gas emergencies on electricity supplies. ESWG recommends formalising this role by acknowledging it in NGERAC’s MOU. ESWG also recommends an editorial review of NGERAC’s MOU to ensure accuracy and consistency.

ESWG recommends consideration of a review of communication protocols with the aim of achieving high level policy consistency of communication across jurisdictions to the maximum extent possible.

ESWG recommends consideration be given to the spokesperson role AEMO can undertake during an electricity and/or gas supply shortfall in its covered markets and relevant jurisdictional emergencies, noting that AEMO has clear responsibility for the bulk supply of electricity as outlined in the Powe

ESWG recommends that as far as reasonably practical, arrangements for load shedding be as transparent as possible to give consumers confidence in the process.

ESWG notes that existing and future contracts and the impending introduction of the Short Term Trading Market will be the primary mechanisms for addressing future gas supply shortfalls.

ESWG recommends consideration of how to ensure good communication and flow of information between the liquid fuels and other energy sectors. One approach that may be considered is that:

ESWG recommends investigation of options to fund NGERAC’s on-going activities including through AEMO’s funding model.