speakers:

Session: DISCUSSION PANEL: What is best practice for genuine engagement with communities?

Amy has been working in communication and community engagement for 15 years, with a strong history in the energy sector. She has worked for ActewAGL, Aurora Energy, TasNetworks and more recently as Director, Innovation at The Energy Charter. Building on her passion for conciliatory and community-building engagement approaches, Amy now runs Good Energy Engagement, a specialist consultancy supporting Australia’s energy transition.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can regulation, codes and standards be built so that they are responsive to the needs of future consumers without putting a heavy compliance burden on retailers?

In a career spanning 20+ years, Terence Alvares has led large retail customer operations in market leading organisations spanning diverse industry sectors including energy, telecommunications, media, utilities, private health insurance, health, business process outsourcing and science and technology centres.

Terence has led transformational change in contact centre and customer experience teams including technology, process, products, operations and people. He is a keen ‘digitisation and AI’ enthusiast.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to elevate the customer experience?

Catherine Anderson is the General Manager Marketing at Origin, and an integrated marketing and communications leader with experience on both client and agency side in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to joining Origin, Catherine was the Chief Customer Officer at Powershop Australia and has also worked for multinational brands such as The Coca-Cola Company and Siemens. Catherine has a passion for uncovering simple and elegant solutions for customers and is unwavering in her commitment to drive positive consumer and environmental outcomes in her work at Origin. Catherine was named AFR BOSS Young Executive of the Year in 2019 and included in CMO Magazine’s CMO50 in 2018 and 2019.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Professor Peta Ashworth OAM is the Director, of the Curtin Institute for Energy Transition. Prior to joining Curtin University, Professor Ashworth was the Director of the Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership, and Chair in Sustainable Energy Futures at The University of Queensland (UQ). Professor Ashworth brings over thirty years’ experience working in a range of senior management, consulting and research roles. Prior to joining Curtin and the University of Queensland, Peta worked as a consultant to industry, as Research Group Leader at CSIRO, and in senior executive roles for the Body Shop.

Professor Ashworth is a globally-recognised expert in the fields of energy, communication, stakeholder engagement, and technology assessment. For almost two decades, Peta has been researching public attitudes toward climate and energy technologies, including wind, carbon capture and storage (CCS), solar photovoltaic, storage, geothermal and hydrogen. An accomplished speaker and facilitator, Professor Ashworth is actively involved in building energy literacy more broadly both within Australia and globally, and regularly provides input to policy briefings, think tanks, as well as educational events for the benefit of the broader community.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to elevate the customer experience?

An experienced leader, Todd is passionate about payments. In his role as Director of Large Enterprise, Todd is responsible for the strategy, execution, and leadership of the PayPal team that partners with Australia’s largest companies to drive success in digital commerce. His career spans more than 10 years within the fintech industry and he’s excited about the ever-growing role digital payments play in customer experience and how innovation is driving the future of commerce.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is ‘Plan B’ if current projections and plans fail?

Bree is a coverage banker within the Corporate Bank, Australia focused on the Energy, Infrastructure and Renewables sectors.  She has a background in sustainable finance and a focus on supporting clients with their transition strategies. Bree has more than twelve years of experience covering corporate and institutional customers across the consumer, industrial, infrastructure and utilities sectors with experience in Australian, European and US markets.

Prior to joining Deutsche Bank, Bree was a Director in the Energy, Infrastructure and Renewables team within Westpac Institutional Bank.

Bree holds a Master of Economics with Excellence (UNSW) and a Bachelor of Commerce – Liberal Studies (University of Sydney).

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What does energy regulatory utopia look like?

Nick is a partner in the Projects, Energy and Infrastructure Group specialising in public and private M&A, joint ventures and other strategic transactions.

Nick advises clients on public and private M&A, joint ventures and other strategic transactions, with a focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors. He also advises on foreign investment regulation, critical infrastructure regulation, wholesale trading (including carbon), plant closures and the development of greenfield projects.

Nick is Global Co-Head of Energy for HSF and is listed as a leading lawyer in various publications, including Chambers, Legal 500, Doyle’s Guide, Best Lawyers and IFLR1000.

Nick has a Bachelor of Laws Degree (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Otago. Nick is admitted to practice in Victoria and New Zealand. Prior to joining Herbert Smith Freehills he worked in New York for Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP and in New Zealand for Russell McVeagh.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is the future of gas-powered generation in Australia?

Jane is a partner in our Projects, Energy and Infrastructure team, specialising in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors.

Jane advises clients on transactions and projects in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors, including upstream oil and gas exploration and production, midstream processing, renewables, new energy and decarbonisation (including decommissioning and CCS) and mining.  Within those sectors, she principally advises on acquisitions and divestments, project structuring and joint ventures, project development, offtakes, processing and transportation. 

Jane has worked on large-scale projects and transactions within Australia and internationally.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Politics from the University of Western Australia.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: US perspective on transitioning from fossil fuels to low carbon power as an on-site generator

Malcolm Bambling is the University of Michigan Central Power Plant Manager. This critical infrastructure facility provides energy for the University of Michigan Ann Arbor Campus and the University of Michigan Hospital (1,824,577 sq/m, over 600 buildings).

Malcolm joined the University of Michigan in 2017 and prior to that, he worked as an Operations Manager for E.ON UK. He has over 30 years of experience in operating, maintaining and managing facilities in the energy production sector in Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. Malcolm is a strong proponent of applying High-Reliability Organizational concepts in the energy sector. He continually works to ensure an excellent level of customer experience during the energy transition.

Malcolm holds a Masters in Business Administration from The Open University, London.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we enable the transition to meet our decarbonisation ambitions?

Sarah leads the Software/SaaS business for Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Australia/New Zealand (ANZ). The team works with software companies of all sizes to help them realise the value of cloud technology as a key enabler for delivering innovative solutions at a global scale. Prior to this role, she led the Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland Enterprise business as well as the Resources vertical nationally for AWS. She is passionate about helping organisations modernise by creating a culture of innovation and change through education and strategic partnership. Sarah has over 25 years of experience in the energy and technology industry, spanning roles within software development, mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, product marketing and business development. She is an advocate for developing an inclusive culture and authentic leadership, with a track record of building high performing teams. Sarah was born and raised in the Midwest of the US, but migrated to Australia in 2012 with her family. Her sporty family of three talented daughters, supportive partner and labradoodle keep her busy and balanced.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can regulation, codes and standards be built so that they are responsive to the needs of future consumers without putting a heavy compliance burden on retailers?

Dr Ron Ben-David currently holds a Professorial Fellowship with the Monash Business School and Monash Sustainable Development Institute. He is the principal of Solrose Consulting and an associate of Utilities Regulation Advisory (URA). Between 2008 and 2019, he served as full-time chair of the Essential Service Commission (Vic) where he led far-reaching reforms in many areas of regulation administered by the commission. Prior to his appointment to the commission, Ron was a Deputy Secretary in the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Vic) and headed the secretariat for the Garnaut Climate Change Review. Ron is a board member at Climate Works Australia, the Consumer Policy and Research Centre, and the Regulatory Policy Institute (A-NZ). He is an advisory board member for the Centre for Market Design at the University of Melbourne, a member of the AER’s Consumer Reference Group and Consumer Challenge Panel, and Melbourne Water's Liveability Panel.  In July 2022, Ron was appointed to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission as deputy chair.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Do we need to start over, or can existing regulation be adapted to meet the needs of a distributed, renewable energy system?

Rebecca was appointed as a part-time commissioner of the Victorian Essential Services Commission in February 2020; as a Commissioner of Essential Services Commission of South Australia in November 2023. These roles enable her to pursue her passion for working with policy makers and regulators to strengthen the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of regulatory regimes.

Along with her fellow commissioners, Rebecca leads the commission in delivering on its vision of better essential services for Victorian and South Australian communities.

Rebecca continues to act as an independent consultant providing clients with strategic, evidence based, and pragmatic advice. With over 20 years’ experience working across a diverse range of portfolios and reform agendas, she brings experience and knowledge of government to support clients navigating complex policy decisions within sensitive stakeholder environments. Rebecca focuses on projects that drive the transformation of government services and programs – including policy and market design, funding and regulatory reform.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Accelerating the energy transition using artificial intelligence

Based in Singapore, Arun helps enterprises accelerate their transformation and sustainability journeys using the power of IT, AI and Digital technologies. Arun specializes in technology enabled Enterprise Transformation and acts as a trusted advisor to the C-suite and helps them achieve revenue and profit growth with a net-positive impact on people and the planet.

Arun has led large and complex IT enabled business transformation programs in leading national, regional, and multi-national institutions in Asia Pacific. His current focus is on helping business leaders align their IT/digital transformation and sustainability initiatives to deliver better ROI. His areas of focus in Sustainability include digital and AI-enabled platforms for sustainability, energy transition, decarbonization roadmaps and sustainable finance.

Arun started his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he led several IT and business transformation programs. Since joining IBM in 2003, he has held multiple senior executive roles including Managing Partner, IBM Consulting, Singapore and Managing Partner, IBM Financial Services Sector, ASEAN. Arun is part of IBM Consulting’s Global Leadership Team.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What regulation would improve grid efficiency and support developers of renewable generation and storage?

Phil is an accomplished practitioner in technology commercialisation, as a research and development scientist and engineer, as a founder and entrepreneur, and as an experienced senior executive to build and grow technology companies in new and emerging markets.

Core interests and domain expertise in energy markets, electricity networks, energy and carbon policy, renewables, risk management, decision psychology and climate change adaptation.

Session: DISCUSSION PANEL: What is best practice for genuine engagement with communities?

Andrew Bray is the National Director of RE-Alliance (formerly known as the Australian Wind Alliance). He joined the organisation in 2013, after spending two years on the 100% Renewable Campaign; building skills and leadership in local communities to help them speak out in support of renewable energy. RE-Alliance represents farmers, wind-workers, small business and community members who value wind power as a clean, safe and effective source of energy.

Andrew has a passion for wind power and the positive contribution it can make to the local economy and to helping Australia transition to a cleaner energy supply.

Andrew is based in one of NSW prime wind districts, near the Capital Wind Farm on Lake George in the Southern Tablelands.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Which generation formats are going to contribute most in the long and short term?

Michael Brear is a mechanical engineer and the Director of the Melbourne Energy Institute (MEI) at the University of Melbourne. MEI facilitates the University’s research on the technical, economic, environmental and social impacts of energy.

Michael is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, the Combustion Institute, Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Energy. He previously established the University’s multi-disciplinary degree, the Master of Energy Systems. Prior to commencing at the University of Melbourne, Michael worked for ICI Australia (now Orica), and then undertook graduate studies at Cambridge University and post-doctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Session: Powering the transition toward sustainable energy generation with hydro

Markus joined AGL in April 2020 as Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to joining AGL, Markus was the Head of Digital and Commerce, and an Executive Board Member at ALPIQ Group in Switzerland, a leading Swiss electricity producer. In this capacity, Markus was responsible for the trading and origination activities in more than 30 countries as well for the retail and digital business of the Group.

With more than 26 years’ experience in the oil, power and gas sectors gained across operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Markus brings a wealth of experience in mining, asset management and trading. Markus holds a Masters of Engineering from Technical University of Clausthal, Germany.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Which generation formats are going to contribute most in the long and short term?

Ian was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Hydro Tasmania in July 2022 after acting in the role since September 2021. He joined the business as Chief Financial Officer in November 2019.

Ian began his career in the energy industry 20 years ago. He has worked across most of the energy supply chain in financial and operational leadership roles. Holding senior operational leadership roles for some of Australia’s largest generation assets has provided him with great exposure to the role electricity plays in supporting and growing our communities, businesses and industries.

Ian is passionate about the energy industry and the opportunity to make a difference, to be a part of Australia’s clean energy future. One of Ian’s key priorities is progressing Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation ambitions.

“Tasmania is on the cusp of an exciting future, powered by Battery of the Nation and Marinus Link, leveraging our natural advantages to grow our clean energy contribution and support Australia’s bold decarbonisation aspirations.

“I am very proud to be at the helm of Hydro Tasmania at such a pivotal time in our history and working towards realising these opportunities not just for us but for our state and Australia. It will bring enormous benefits flowing back in affordable power, much needed jobs, investment revenue and increased returns for the state to support vital infrastructure.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to elevate the customer experience?

Mark was appointed EnergyAustralia’s Chief Customer Officer in June 2021. He is responsible for leading the performance of EnergyAustralia’s customer business, including customer experience, analytics and insights, pricing and product development, marketing and digital innovation, as well as the delivery of sales and service across residential, business and industrial customer segments.

For over 30 years Mark has lead and activated customer centred functions across various industries. His experience includes Residential Executive at EnergyAustralia, Divisional General Manager Customer Channels at Medibank Private and General Manager Marketing and Retail Customers, and General Manager Business Customers at AGL Energy.

Mark holds Associate Diplomas in Engineering (Electrical), Business and Marketing from Swinburne University. He is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Reinventing energy: technology's role in accelerating the transition

With over 20 years of experience in the energy industry, Dr Damien Buie is the Industry Lead for renewables, electrical networks and energy services within AWS for Energy, globally responsible for supporting our customers accelerate the energy transition. Damien’s particular area of expertise is in leveraging data to drive innovation at scale. Prior to this role, Damien was the Chief Digital Officer of the renewables division of EDF where he was based in Paris and led the digital transformation of the group, following on from more than 10 years of experience in North America leading innovation and product development. Damien has a PhD in Computational Physics for the University of Sydney and post-doctoral experience at University College London.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Wired for change: AI and the future grid

Jim is focused on helping energy clients solve business challenges and transition to a low-carbon future.

He brings over a decade of experience in the energy sector, including: corporate innovation at a Fortune-500 electric and gas utility, business development for an energy storage software start-up in Silicon Valley, and operations and strategy consulting for clients across America and Asia. 

Throughout his career, Jim has been focused on emerging technologies, advanced analytics, and business transformation within the power and utilities sector. His experience spans traditional and renewable generation, distribution network operations, and behind-the-meter customer technologies.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is ‘Plan B’ if current projections and plans fail?

Ben is Member of the Team at Telstra.  He has been at the helm of epic and humiliating failures across six industries and three continents, in the midst of which he picked fights with bullies, lost (and then rediscovered) his faith in democracy, and occasionally got lucky in the all-consuming religion of start-up and early-stage growth. While Ben is fascinated by the prospect of interplanetary missions, he would like the earth to remain habitable for generations to come.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to manage DER and the impact of electrification?

Dr Jill Cainey MBE is the founder and CEO of Erne Energy, supporting the energy sector to understand the impacts and risks of climate change as Australia electrifies the future.

Jill advocated for the interests of the electricity transmission and distribution networks in Australia and the interests of electricity storage in the UK and Europe, influencing the development of policies and regulations to support low carbon electrification. This included developing low-cost approaches to supporting decentralised community electricity markets and local flexibility.

Jill ran Australia’s climate monitoring station at Cape Grim in Tasmania and as a climate scientist she focusses on the impact of extreme weather on electricity systems to ensure that customers and networks are resilient to future change.

Session: CEO PANEL: What are the clear, consistent, and long term ways industry and policy makers can drive stakeholder confidence?

Guy was appointed Endeavour Energy CEO in December 2019 and took up the position in April 2020. He is a highly regarded energy industry leader and influencer, and a board member of Energy Networks Australia, the peak national body representing gas distribution and electricity transmission & distribution businesses throughout Australia.

Guy has a wealth of international, financial and operational experience gained across a diverse range of sectors operating and residing in Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North and South America.

His outstanding leadership qualities and experience sees him well positioned in leading Endeavour Energy as it continues its customer-centric journey, meets record growth across Greater Western Sydney, adapts to rapid technology change, and continues to deliver safe and reliable essential electricity services to 2.5 million people every day.

Guy was appointed CEO of Western Power in 2016, a Western Australian State Government-owned transmission and distribution network corporation, after earlier roles including Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Western Power, he worked for a decade at Veolia Water and Thames Water in senior finance and regulatory director roles.

Session: Underpinning investment in regional areas and paving the way for increased clean energy through the Rewiring the Nation Fund

Gloria Chan is an Executive Director and leads the program management aspects of the Rewiring the Nation funding at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. She previously co-led the large-scale solar business in support of Australia’s growing renewable energy sector and led the Future Grid business at the CEFC. Gloria has near 20 years of institutional banking experience, spanning project and corporate finance as well as credit. Gloria was previously a Director at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, financing projects and corporates across a variety of industries, including renewables, utilities, mining and mining infrastructure, and oil and gas. Gloria has a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)/ Bachelor of Law (BCom/ LLB) from the University of New South Wales and is also admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Session: Harmonising storage assets across both distribution and transmission networks to enable a secure and decarbonised energy future

Matt Cheney leads the Grid Transformation Function at Western Power, with responsibility for the future network strategy and for the development and prioritising of network plans to maintain service and performance standards.

Western Power is a Western Australian Government owned corporation that transmits and distributes electricity to more than one million customers across 254,920 km2. The network incorporates more than 102,000 kms of wires, along with more than 860,000 poles and towers.

Matt’s team is accountable for pilot projects including stand-alone power systems, microgrids and a utility scale battery energy storage solution. The objective being to provide the WA community with solutions to deliver power in new, efficient and innovative ways to meet their changing needs.

With 20 years’ experience in a diverse range of roles and industries Matt has established himself as a versatile asset manager and business leader. He previously formed part of the leadership team that implemented improved asset management practices across the business, focusing on maintaining the integrity of in-service assets.

Matt also held primary accountability for the strategic asset management of conductors across the network, in addition to the implementation of Smart Grid technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Avionics), and is a member of the Asset Management Council of Australia.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can regulation, codes and standards be built so that they are responsive to the needs of future consumers without putting a heavy compliance burden on retailers?

Nigel Clark was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Energy in September 2022.

Nigel has more than two decades' energy sector experience across financial, retail, trading and operational generating roles. This includes four years as Managing director of Momentum Energy following its acquisition by Hydro Tasmania in 2007-08.

He has also worked in senior roles with TRU Energy and most recently as Chief Operations Officer at Genesis Energy in New Zealand. He has served as Director for Boards including Snowy Hydro Corporation and the Energy Retailers Association of Australia.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is the future of gas-powered generation in Australia?

David is the Director of the University of Queensland Gas & Energy Transition Research Centre, where he leads an experienced, multi-disciplinary team undertaking research across all aspects of the role of gas in the energy transition. The Centre’s research focus areas include communities and co-existence, environment, decarbonisation and energy security. David has extensive technical, commercial and operational experience, and has led stakeholder engagement, land access, project management and environmental approvals on a variety of projects. David holds a D.Phil. in Marine Geophysics from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar, and a B.Sc. (Hons 1st Class) from the University of Tasmania.

Session: Accelerating new renewable energy and storage developments before closing the existing system

Mr Collette has been with EnergyAustralia since 2003 and Managing Director since 1 July 2021. He served as Chief Customer Officer from May 2019 until June 2021 and led the Energy business (comprising generation and trading at the time) between July 2015 and May 2019.  Former roles have included executive responsibility for policy, sustainability, strategy and other matters.

Mr Collette is Chair and Director at the Australian Energy Council (AEC), which represents 20 major electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in the competitive wholesale and retail energy market. He is also a former member of the AEMC's Reliability Panel and a former director of the Australian Financial Markets Association.

Prior to joining EnergyAustralia, he worked for management consulting firm LEK consulting on a variety of commercial engagements in Australia, Thailand and the UK.

Session: Reforming the electricity market to accelerate the transition - perspective of the rule maker and market developer

Anna Collyer is a leading energy expert and the Chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) and Energy Advisory Panel (EAP). She has more than two decades of public and private sector experience in energy and has worked extensively on industry reform with energy ministers.

Anna has a passion for leadership and change and is a big believer in a learning culture, where experimentation is a necessary part of creating something new.  In 2022, she became one of Australia’s inaugural ambassadors for the global Energy Equality Initiative, supporting the urgent task of improving female representation in the energy sector.

As a partner of Allens law firm from 2001 to 2020, Anna focused on the energy sector throughout its evolution, advised a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors on major projects, and fostered innovation at all levels of the firm, not only in technological developments but also in new ways of working and addressing disruption.

Anna has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.

Session: DISCUSSION PANEL: What is best practice for genuine engagement with communities?

Pru Cook is an experienced consultant with more than ten years’ experience in agricultural extension, project management and grant writing. She was raised on a mixed farm at Diapur in Victoria’s Wimmera, and is now raising her own family in the same region.

Pru began her career in agricultural extension with the Department of Primary Industries (now Agriculture Victoria). She worked with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) in Canberra developing and implementing its digital extension strategy, and most recently for Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) where she managed extension projects and oversaw its research and extension program.

Pru is a member of the GRDC Southern Region Panel, Regional Development Australia’s Grampians Committee and has previously been the representative for the West Wimmera on the Victorian Farmers Federation Grains Council.

Session: Investor perspective: dodging the transmission logjam and unlocking the investment pipeline

Lachlan is based Macquarie’s Melbourne office and is head of Macquarie Asset Management Green Investments in ANZ.   Lachlan joined Macquarie in Sydney over 20 years ago. During his career at Macquarie Lachlan has worked on advisory and investment transactions in 15 countries, based out of London, New York, Mexico City and Melbourne.  Lachlan is currently responsible for overseeing a MAM Green Investments’ Australian operations and the development and growth of its investment portfolio.

Lachlan been involved in the energy sector throughout his career and over the last 16 years has completed transactions over 9,000MW of renewable energy generation assets, including a number of landmark renewable energy transactions and developments in Australia, including Macquarie and RES’s 209MW Murra Warra II project, sale of John Laing’s interests in a 514MW Australian wind farm portfolio, formation of Synergy’s 256MW renewable energy joint venture Bright Energy Investments,   Macquarie and RES’s 226 MW Murra Warra I wind farm, and Macquarie’s 228MW Lal Lal wind farm. Lachlan has also led a number of international transactions in the renewables sector, including Santander’s formation of Cubico Sustainable Investments, a US$2 billion renewables and water venture with Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and PSP Investments; Macquarie’s investment in a 171MW run-of-river hydro project in Choco, Colombia; and the development and financing of a US$1billion 396MW Mexican wind farm.

Lachlan holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia).

Session: Unleashing consumer empowerment: Analysing the surge in 9-14kWh domestic batteries and harnessing their collective influence on the shared grid

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How quickly can batteries take their position as stabilisers of renewable energy?

Colin is an accomplished infrastructure asset manager and energy transition policy leader with expertise in energy planning, finance, policy and regulation.

In his role as General Manager Customer Future Grid, Colin is responsible for accelerating Endeavour Energy’s focus on using technology to drive improved customer energy choices while ensuring no customer is left behind.

Prior to this role, Colin led Endeavour Energy’s regulatory team and helped build an organisational focus on customer centred investment.  As an advocate for innovation, collaboration and co-design, Colin is a practitioner of effective stakeholder engagement with electricity customers, decision makers and key stakeholders within Australia’s transitioning electricity market.

Colin has nearly 20 years’ experience working in the energy industry, with experience working across small and large scale electricity network operation, engineering, contingency planning, network pricing and regulatory affairs.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can batteries best support a faltering energy transition?

Paul leads our cross-business strategy for revenue contracting and entry into new energy markets and products. Prior to joining Akaysha, Paul held leadership positions in private legal practice with law firms Ashurst (as Global Head of Energy) and Baker McKenzie (as Head of Renewable Energy APAC), building on a successful 25 year legal career focused on clean energy and climate change. During this time, Paul was recognised as one of Australia's leading renewable energy lawyers and globally as a long-standing market leader in climate change and carbon markets. During his two decades in private practice, Paul has been a driving force behind giga-watts of market-first greenfield renewable energy and M&A transactions across solar, wind, pumped hydro, energy from waste, and battery storage at both the utility scale and distributed generation. In addition, Paul has been – and continues to be - a long-standing policy voice for the clean energy sector as the energy transition accelerates toward net zero.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can batteries best support a faltering energy transition?

Session: Future-proofing power supply with batteries as part of the Local Network Battery Plan

Glenn Dahlenburg has helped lead innovation at Energy Queensland and its subsidiary network businesses Ergon Energy and Energex for more than 10 years.

Glenn has extensive experience distributed energy resources, renewables and energy storage and is leading Energy Queensland’s Network Battery Project.  This project is leveraging energy storage to support the safe and secure uptake of renewable energy in Queensland by delivering 76 batteries over the next 18 months, across low and high voltage with a combined capacity of nearly 240MWh.

He is a strategic thinker who’s work across a broad range of energy infrastructure, technology and transformation projects is supporting the significant and rapid changes in the energy sector. Glenn remains committed to supporting an efficient and economic transition to a net zero energy future.

Session: What could a technology-neutral approach to net zero look like?

Clare is the Head of Media and Communications at Low Emission Technology Australia (LETA). LETA is supported by a $700 million industry commitment to identify and invest in technologies critical to reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and power. These investments aim to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions both in Australia and internationally, supporting the transition to a low emission global economy and creating new jobs and opportunities for Australian industry.

Clare’s industry experience encompasses work in communications and engagement across the energy sector, including renewables, transmission, regulation, and mining. She has a deep appreciation for the role of effective communication and authentic engagement in navigating the energy transition and fostering a community around critical climate technologies.

Clare is a collaborator, working with a wide range of stakeholders to advocate for and support the deployment of low emission technologies, driving progress toward a net-zero future with a technology-neutral approach.

Session: Approaching customer debt differently

Libby Dale is a digital professional passionate about all things related to clever technology for business, especially where caring for customers is concerned. After a lifetime in large enterprises, Libby co-founded SmartMeasures creating ground-breaking solutions that combine AI with behavioural science to help large companies retain customers and reduce customer debt in a way that is truly helpful to customers.

The SmartMeasures churn reduction solution has been helping companies retain customers since 2018 and the debt reduction solution was launched in 2023.

Session: FIRESIDE CHAT: Future customer platforms and engagement… ready for it?

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can urgent transition and affordability issues be addressed effectively?

Michael Dart is the Chief Customer Officer for Customer at Energy Queensland.

Energy Queensland is a Government Owned Corporation and Australia’s largest electricity distribution company, connecting electricity supply to 2.3 million customers across Queensland. They develop and deliver innovative solutions for the energy challenges faced by customer and communities.  Energy Queensland includes Ergon Energy, Energex, Ergon Energy Retail and Yurika.

As the Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Michael has championed Energy Queensland’s customer and community strategies, engaging with our significant stakeholders and customers to implement energy policy on behalf of the Board of Energy Queensland.  His portfolio includes customer and community strategy, media management, Government and investor relations, internal communications, marketing, brand and customer digital needs.  He also heads Customer and Market Operations which covers connections, metering services, market transactions and customer contact centres across the state of Queensland.

Michael has executive management, stakeholder relations, policy development, media, social media and communications experience reaching over 20 years. He is also an experienced Non-Executive Director and Chair in the government, university, arts and environmental health fields.  Michael has also worked for a major utility, State and Local Governments and as a private sector consultant.

He is a proven leader, policy and communications specialist, having spent more than a decade as an Energy industry leader and consultant to the public and private sectors.

Michael has spent more than a decade as an Energy Industry leader and as a Non-Executive Director in the government, arts, environment, science and health fields including for Griffith University.

Session: CEO PANEL: What are the clear, consistent, and long term ways industry and policy makers can drive stakeholder confidence?

Session: Navigating the green divide: strategies to overcome new and entrenched barriers to delivering a clean energy future

In a career spanning over 30 years with ENGIE, Rik has held a variety of roles across Belgium, the United States, Latin America, the United Kingdom and in France. Before moving to Australia, he was CEO of ENGIE Energia Peru, Country Manager ENGIE Peru and Colombia and Regional HUB VP South America.

He’s experienced in operational, safety and development of team members, including serving as the global Deputy HR Director for the business, where he was in charge of senior executives, talent attraction, development and international mobility. 

Rik holds a Masters in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.

Session: Managing evolving energy regulation and how the burden of compliance might be reduced

Jo De Silva is the General Manager Retail Policy at the Australian Energy Council. Jo was most recently a senior leader at the Australian Energy Market Operator (ISP Consumer Panel) and Energy & Water Ombudsman SA, experienced in representing the long-term interests of different cohorts of energy consumers in regulatory and technical processes. Jo has served as a member of the Energy Security Board Stakeholder Steering Group and the National Customer Code Council for Comparators and Moving Services.

Jo was a member of the Australian Energy Regulator Consumer Reference Group, all four Energy Security Board National Energy Guarantee Technical Working Groups and the Australian Energy Market Commission System Security Technical Working Group. Heading up energy policy at the South Australian Council of Social Service for around a decade, Jo convened the National Consumer Roundtable on Energy and was an inaugural member of the AER’s Consumer Challenge Panel. Jo is a former Judge of the South Australian Premier’s Mining and Energy Awards.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Do we need to start over, or can existing regulation be adapted to meet the needs of a distributed, renewable energy system?

Gavin has been as a consumer representative in the energy sector for over 30 years. During this time, he has undertaken research electricity disconnections; documented changes in energy pricing and its impacts on households; and been involved in the development of state and federal energy consumer protection and concession frameworks. Gavin is currently a representative of a number of industry and government committees including: gas and electricity distribution companies’ customer consultative committees; AGL’s national customer council; the AER’s / ESC customer consultative group; AEMO’s Social Licence Advisory Group and board member of Energy Consumers Australia.

Session: Balancing energy flows by dynamically coordinating battery charging and discharging operations

David is the Manager of Future Technology and Innovation in the Business Development and Strategy division of Horizon Power.

He builds pathways for the inclusion of new technologies into Horizon’s BAU, specialising in the integration of renewable energy generation, storage and hydrogen technology into Horizon Power’s portfolio of microgrids and solving engineering problems in a risk-averse environment.

David is focused on the development and execution of complex projects that pioneer innovation and discovery. He has adopted a ‘problem led’ leadership approach where he focuses on the problem(s) at hand and seeking a solution he creates an opportunity for learning, research and development.

Core message: Perseverance - There was a time in the history of everything we take for granted when it didn’t work properly.

Passion for sustainable practices: I lead by delivering low carbon solutions to Horizon and I’m most comfortable at the intersection of technology and customers.

Session: Retail transformation while connecting our customers to a more sustainable future

Jo joined AGL in 2008 and held several senior executive roles across Energy Markets before being appointed as Chief Customer Officer in June 2022.

With over two decades of experience across product, sales, marketing and channels, Jo specialises in leading change in complex environments, growth through innovation and transforming the customer experience.  As General Manager, Product & Portfolio Jo led AGL’s multi-product retailer strategy including growth through acquisitions of Southern Phone, On the Move and Click Energy.  Prior to joining AGL, she worked at TRUenergy in various retail leadership roles, and as the General Manager of Operations at Business Process Outsource Provider, PCI.

Jo is the Chair of Ovo Energy Australia, a joint venture between OVO and AGL, that governs OVO’s Australian Retail Energy business currently localising the Kaluza energy technology platform. Jo has a Masters of Business Administration and Management from Deakin University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Allowing energy consumers to understand and control their energy use with the next generation of smart meters

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can urgent transition and affordability issues be addressed effectively?

Stephen is a seasoned executive with extensive international and domestic experience in customer strategy and loyalty, building strong consumer brands, marketing, data, digital technology, channels to market and industry disruption. He has previously held Chief Executive roles at Real NZ, Tourism New Zealand, Loyalty New Zealand and Razorfish in the United Kingdom. Stephen holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

With a strong interest in sustainability, Stephen was also involved in The Aotearoa Circle as a non-executive director and trustee.  He holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we enable the transition to meet our decarbonisation ambitions?

Suzanne joined AGL in May 2023 as Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs.

Over the past 12 years Suzanne has worked extensively on a broad range of regulatory, governance and policy issues and leading reforms across energy and climate change frameworks. Formerly a dispute resolution lawyer, she has held numerous senior leadership roles at the Energy Security Board and the Australian Energy Market Commission and has deep experience in strategic stakeholder engagement and communications, strategy and economic analysis.

Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Economics, a Bachelor of Law (Honours) and a Master of Laws (International Law) from the Australian National University.

Session: Working back from 2035 – bringing clarity to what we need to do here and now

Victor is a Partner at McKinsey, based in Melbourne.

As a leader in McKinsey’s Australian public sector practice, Victor brings deep expertise in strategy, operating model design and transformation, as well as energy transition and economic development. 

Victor holds bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and music from Monash University, and master’s degrees in public policy and development economics from Oxford University, which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Which generation formats are going to contribute most in the long and short term?

Sophie is a Senior Public Affairs Manager at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) – the world’s largest dedicated investor in greenfield renewable energy infrastructure. She is responsible for politically re-risking CIP’s pipeline of more than 30GW of renewable energy projects in Australia and New Zealand.

Sophie has more than a decade of experience engaging and communicating with a diverse range of communities and stakeholders. She has worked in the Victorian public service delivering large-scale transport projects, as a management consultant and led reputation and issues management for a top ASX-listed global tech company. Sophie specialises in the planning and delivery of multi-billion-dollar clean energy and transport infrastructure projects and is passionate about creating value for future generations.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What does energy regulatory utopia look like?

Trudy Fraser has over 25 years of leadership experience in the energy and local government sectors, working across Regulation, Corporate Governance and Compliance, and Environmental Services functions.

She has held key regulatory leadership positions across a number of Energy Queensland companies over the past 12 years, where she has gained a deep understanding of all facets of national and state energy regulation. Trudy has established a proven track record of driving balanced commercial, regulatory and customer outcomes that support the achievement of strategic objectives.

As Executive General Manager Regulation (Acting) Trudy has responsibility for leading Energy Queensland’s economic regulation, network pricing and forecasting and regulatory policy and reporting functions.

Trudy holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Applied Science and a Graduate Diploma in Financial Management. She is also an Associate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Session:Ensuring the energy transition benefits consumers instead of causing suffering

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can the energy system be centred around consumers?

Dr Brendan French is a leading consumer protection and dispute resolution expert, with extensive executive experience across corporate, academic, public, and community spheres.

Prior to joining Energy Consumers Australia as CEO, Brendan championed consumer interests as the Commonwealth Bank’s Executive General Manager Customer and Community Advocacy and before that as Deputy Ombudsman at the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON). He also taught in the Law School at Western Sydney University, was a Board director for a number of consumer and charitable organisations, and is a published author of academic and popular texts. Brendan holds a doctorate in the History of Ideas and has been awarded for his innovative work on fostering trust between community, corporates and government.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Defining effective policy and regulatory settings that can expedite decentralised energy generation

Jignasa Gadani is the Director of the Office of Energy Policy and Innovation at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. She formerly held the position of Acting Director of that office.

Prior to joining the Office of Energy Policy and Innovation, Ms. Gadani served from 2010-2014 as the Director of the East Division in FERC's Office of Energy Market Regulation. Ms. Gadani has held several other positions at the Commission, including as an attorney advisor in the Office of the General Counsel’s Energy Markets Division from 2001-2006 and 2009-2010, and as a Legal Advisor to Commissioner Philip D. Moeller from 2006-2009. During law school, Ms. Gadani also worked at the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Ms. Gadani earned a B.A. from DePaul University and a J.D., with a Certificate in Environmental and Energy Law, from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology.

Session: Tweaking the current regulatory system to encourage more energy storage with batteries

Pan has over sixteen years of experience as a consultant and a project manager and has a broad practical and academic experience. This experience spans electricity, gas and energy markets, project management, project development and civil engineering construction.

Pan has conducted multiple modelling, statistical and qualitative studies of electricity markets in Australia and internationally for the exploration of market design changes, the evaluation of proposed reforms and the impact of different policies, the reliability of power systems, the forecast of large and small-scale renewable generation and storage systems, the cost-benefit analysis of regulated transmission assets, the projection of future energy prices, the forecasting of power generation and revenue for market due diligence projects and the assessment of PPA offers.

Some of Pan’s former clients include AEMO, the Federal Government, all the state Governments, the Climate Change Authority, the Clean Energy Regulator and numerous developers, owners and operators of wind, solar, gas, coal and battery storage assets.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can the energy system be centred around consumers?

Lynne Gallagher was appointed to the Board in June 2023. 

For more than 15 years, Lynne has championed major reforms and systems design change in Australia’s energy sector, to achieve better outcomes for people and communities. Prior to joining the AER, Lynne was the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Consumers Australia, the national voice for households and small businesses. During this time, she led the development of the most extensive set of ongoing energy consumer research in Australia and was a leading contributor to the internationally path-breaking Digital Energy Futures research program.

Before working in the energy sector, Lynne held senior executive leadership roles in business, including in the finance, infrastructure and superannuation sectors, and in the public sector, including Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Treasury. Lynne holds a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University and has completed Harvard University’s Applied Behavioural Insights for Public Policy program and the Executive Leadership Program at Mt Eliza Business School.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we enable the transition to meet our decarbonisation ambitions?

CEO of energy software business Kaluza, Melissa has over 15 years of experience in the energy sector and a strategic vision for the role of technology in the energy transition. At Kaluza, Melissa leads the business in delivering advanced automation, enabling world-leading customer experiences and innovating demand response services to energy companies around the world.

Prior to Kaluza, Melissa was part of UK energy major OVO's launch team, where she spearheaded award-winning customer service operations, helping OVO to disrupt the market. As OVO Group's COO in 2019, Melissa played a key role in the technical integration of 3.5 million customer accounts following a landmark acquisition.

Session: Combining small scale behind-the-meter technologies for home and business to make the transition simpler for all customers

Renae recently joined EnergyAustralia where she leads the Customer Assets team that looks to make the energy transition simple for our customers by combining behind the meter solutions into our growing flexible energy portfolio.

Renae has held senior leadership roles at JLL, Horizon Power, Synergy, RACV & Medibank leading customer-centric programs such as Project Symphony, community battery rollouts, EV strategy and creating the WA State Government Schools Virtual Power Plant. As JLL Head of Sustainability Consulting, Renae worked with Australia’s largest built environment energy users, in reducing emissions and leveraging solar, battery and electric vehicles.

In 2019, her Vicinity Centres Solar Program won Clean Energy Council and Property Council of Australia awards.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Dr Joel Gilmore is the General Manager Policy & Regional Energy at Iberdrola Australia, with over a decade of experience in market design, market modelling, and technical and economic analysis of integrating renewable energy into the grid. In addition to engaging on policy design, he coordinates the development of integrated solutions across large-scale renewables, transmission, green hydrogen, and new loads. He previously lead Iberdrola’s long-term market modelling team, supporting business cases for both renewable and firming assets and has previously worked in roels across consulting, government, and AEMO. Joel is also an Associate Professor at Griffith University Business School.

Session: People power: The role of distributed energy resources (DER) in the energy transition

Cara Graham is an Energy Partner in EY’s Strategy and Transactions team. Cara is also a member of EY's Infrastructure Advisory leadership team.

Cara has over 20 years experience in the energy industry. She joined EY from electricity distributor Energex where she held a number of senior roles, including representing Energex on executive-level national workgroups responsible for managing changes to market procedures used within the National Electricity Market.

"I love being part of the energy industry – it plays such a fundamental role in society. I strive to spread that enthusiasm to those around me. I take pride in developing my skills, and the skills of my team, to contribute to improvements in the way that energy is generated, delivered and consumed by customers."

Cara has a Bachelor of Commerce and Honours in Commerce from the University of Queensland, and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Session: Strategies for gaining social licence in transmission projects

Maryanne Graham has held senior executive roles in both the private and public sector for more than 20 years. Her experience includes strategy development, government and stakeholder relations, media and marketing, customer experience and corporate affairs delivery for some of Australia’s most high-profile organisations and infrastructure projects. These include; Sydney Water, Western Sydney International Airport, Gold Coast Light Rail, WestConnex, NorthConnex and Walsh Bay Urban Renewal development.

Maryanne’s experience also includes strategic and operational leadership of large, highly diverse ASX-listed companies, including leading the corporate affairs, investor relations, government relations and stakeholder engagement portfolios for Transfield Services and Downer Group.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can batteries best support a faltering energy transition?

Greg is a senior leader in utilities across Strategy, Asset Management, Commercial and Regulation roles. Greg is passionate about making the energy transition work in Australia and has proven results driving commercial outcomes and rallying stakeholders around a shared vision. He most recently led CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy’s response to the energy transition delivering distributed battery and electrification projects and trials.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can urgent transition and affordability issues be addressed effectively?

Emma Hawthorne is EY’s Oceania Energy Leader. She brings significant experience in the energy industry and possesses a detailed knowledge of the needs and wants of energy consumers as it relates to the achievement of net zero. Emma co leads EY’s Oceania Energy Customer Experience Transformation offering and works across all areas of the energy value chain. She is passionate about building cross industry ecosystems to tackle issues around energy affordability, social licence, security and decarbonisation as well as supporting both government and private sector participants to deliver transformational programs. Emma excels at connecting her Australian clients to insights and learnings from the global energy network as well pairing the best of Australia’s energy capabilities with the rest of the world.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Which generation formats are going to contribute most in the long and short term?

Chloe Hicks is Executive Director, Strategy and Policy at the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) in the NSW Government. Chloe is responsible for driving EnergyCo’s corporate strategy, policy development and advice, and regulatory processes.

Chloe has extensive experience and expertise in energy and government processes, including overseeing the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet and NSW Budget. She has been instrumental in driving energy and climate change policies in NSW, most notably the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and its enabling legislation.

She is passionate about ensuring energy infrastructure is developed in a way that benefits consumers and regional communities, having led the early design of Renewable Energy Zones in NSW.

In late 2023, Chloe travelled internationally to learn about world-leading energy transition policies and programs as part of a Churchill Fellowship.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is ‘Plan B’ if current projections and plans fail?

Tanya Hodgson is an Investment Manager at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), working across ARENA’s low emissions metals and hydrogen portfolios. She works with companies ranging from start-ups to incumbents to help accelerate early-stage renewable energy technologies. This industry exposure provides unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing hard to abate industrial sectors in Australia.

Tanya has a background in the sciences, holding a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Applied Biology, and a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, both from the University of Cape Town. Before ARENA, Tanya was in management consulting, working with over 20 companies across South Africa and Australia.

Session: Exploring technologies for home electrification

Mark joined Gentrack in April 2019 and leads our Australian business as Country Manager. From his early career in programming, Mark has worked with software and utilities for 25 years, helping energy and utility customers solve problems with technology.  Before joining Gentrack, Mark was part of GE’s grid software business for 15 years, most recently leading the Asia sales team responsible for sales and business development across the region. Prior to that, Mark headed up GE’s Grid partner business in the region, working with a portfolio of 100 resellers and partners.

Session: Enabling a technology agnostic, cost effective and socially responsible transition

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is the future of gas-powered generation in Australia?

John was appointed Chief Executive Officer of ATCO Australia in October 2023, and Country Chair in March 2023.  He is the first Australian to be appointed to these positions for the global energy infrastructure and logistics company.

As CEO and Country Chair, John has complete business accountability for ATCO’s regulated gas utility business and its renewables, power, clean fuels, and emerging transmission businesses in Australia and all the functions that support them. He is also responsible for developing and executing ATCO’s strategy in Australia and stewarding and representing ATCO’s broad interests with government and regulatory stakeholders across all of ATCO’s lines of business in Australia, including ATCO Structures.

John joined ATCO as Director, Finance during the acquisition of WA Gas Networks in 2011. His prior experience includes financial and leadership roles in the consulting and corporate sectors in Australia and the U.K. John is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Accounting & Finance from the University of Western Australia and completed the Executive Leadership program at Ivey Business School in Canada. John is also a member of the Institute of Company Directors in Australia and completed an Applied Finance & Investment Diploma with The Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Harnessing data and AI to transform customer experience and enable new energy business models

Kelly leads the Salesforce’s energy and utilities industry strategy globally, delivering industry solutions and product innovations that help utilities and energy companies lead through the energy transition and transform their customer relationships. Kelly is a leader and executive in the Salesforce Product group.

Career Highlights:

• 20+ years in utility and energy software solutions globally. Lead teams building and delivering billing, meter data management, energy efficiency, CIS, asset, and customer experience solutions to utilities and energy companies.
• Previously with companies including Oracle Utilities, Opower - Global Leader in Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management, First Data where she lead the Global Strategy for Competitive Retail Energy, and Vlocity, where as GM she built the Energy & Utilities practice.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to manage DER and the impact of electrification?

Alida has 15 years’ experience within energy networks in Australia and the UK and enjoys engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and embedding change into complex organisations and systems. At Ausgrid, Alida is leading the transformation of the business into a Distribution System Operator (DSO) to support the transition to a decentralised, decarbonised, and digitalised energy system. Her team is focused on unlocking the most value for and from customer owned energy resources and developing new network services, such arrangements for virtual power plants in Project Edith and maturing network service provided Community Battery models. Alida has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of South Australia and a Master of Science in Public Policy from University College London.

Session: Delivering the energy and the customer transition with AI on next gen smart meters: case studies from Melbourne & California

Michael is the Managing Director of EMEA & APAC at Sense, chartered with expanding the company’s global footprint into Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific.

Michael brings over 20 years of experience in consulting, strategy and leadership in energy and climate tech.  Michael began his career with Accenture before serving as Head of Strategy for two of the UK’s largest energy retailers, British Gas and SSE. He then built and led SSE’s Smart Home business unit, “Home Intelligence”. 

Before joining Sense, Michael was Managing Director at Verv, a climate tech scale backed by British Gas and Innogy. Michael holds an MBA from the University of Warwick as well as a BA in History from Birmingham University.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to manage DER and the impact of electrification?

Rod joined AusNet in 2011 and has more than 25 years’ experience in the energy sector in a variety of roles including network planning, asset management, capital program delivery and business transformation. He is responsible for network strategy and planning across AusNet’s three regulated energy networks, including providing network connections for embedded generators and implementing distributed energy solutions.

Prior to joining AusNet, he held a number of transmission engineering and managerial roles at Transend, which is now known as TasNetworks.

Rod holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from University of Tasmania and a Master of Business Administration from La Trobe University.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to manage DER and the impact of electrification?

Marie has more than 35-years of gas and electric transmission and distribution operations experience. She serves as a board of director for Duquesne Light Company.

Marie was President and CEO of Peak Reliability in Vancouver, WA. Peak Reliability provided reliability coordination for transmission companies in the Western US as well as Baja California, Mexico and British Columbia, Canada.

Prior to joining Peak Reliability Marie was at National Grid, where she held a variety of positions including SVP of Network Strategy and SVP of Gas Construction and Operations. Marie started her career with Pacific Gas & Electric Company in San Francisco where she acquired an extensive knowledge of the regulatory environment and stakeholder engagement.

Marie has a passion for the mission of the American Red Cross and acted as a board member with the Red Cross in Massachusetts and was a member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle.

Her educational background is both in Electrical Engineering and Business Accounting.

Session: Supercharging the rollout of renewables – addressing the lack of action on renewables build-out

Frank Jotzo is Professor of environmental economics and climate change economics at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, and head of energy at the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions.

Frank Jotzo leads research on topics including decarbonisation strategies, economics of energy transition, policy instruments for climate change and environment, and international trade and investment. He has held senior authorship roles with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and has advised national and state governments, international organisations and businesses. He currently leads Australia’s Carbon Leakage Review.

Session: DISCUSSION PANEL: What is best practice for genuine engagement with communities?

Lee Kingma is the owner-manager of a sheep and cattle property near Tumut and a project resourcing company, Wunelli Pty Ltd.

During his career as a chemical engineer Lee has been involved in minerals, heavy manufacturing, power generation and environmental remediation projects.  His 900 Ha property hosts two existing 330kV lines and was on a proposed 500kV HumeLink easement.  Lee has been advocating for lower impact solutions, better landowner engagement and fairer compensation for HumeLink and other major transmission projects.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can regulation, codes and standards be built so that they are responsive to the needs of future consumers without putting a heavy compliance burden on retailers?

Louisa Kinnear has been a part of the Jacana Energy family since 2019 in an executive leadership capacity. With vast industry knowledge and a strong focus on customer service and delivery, she is well positioned to lead us as a CEO at a time when the NT energy market is undergoing a rapid transition.

She joins a growing number of women leading Northern Territory organisations and is the second woman currently heading up a Northern Territory utility. We are looking forward to the positive growth she is dedicated to, which will ensure our customers get an improved experience year upon year.

Session: Masterclass B: Designing and evaluating Distribution System Operator (DSO) models to maximize the benefits of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) to customers and the power system

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Maximising the benefits of renewable energy resources and accelerating the energy transition – a US perspective

Lorenzo Kristov is an independent consultant working with diverse clients to decarbonize and democratize electricity systems through the deployment of fossil-free distributed energy resources (DER) and microgrids. He applies grid architecture principles to design policies, market rules and regulations to enable local electricity systems to be commercially viable while supporting reliable operation of the power system as a whole and advancing sustainability, community resilience and energy justice goals. He has written extensively on the design of an open-access distribution system operator (DSO) as the key enabler of a customer-driven, transactional electric distribution network. He previously worked for the California ISO for 19 years as a principal in market design and infrastructure policy, and for the California Energy Commission as an Energy Economist.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Which generation formats are going to contribute most in the long and short term?

Ravi is a seasoned and esteemed client partner with thirty years of successful experience in spearheading sustainable transformations for prominent players within the global energy and utilities sector. With an adept grasp of aligning available technology with business imperatives, Ravi offers clear guidance in formulating and executing strategic transformations and innovations, aimed at generating enduring benefits and surpassing expectations.

As a dynamic and adaptable executive, Ravi has a proven track record in establishing business lines, operational frameworks, and centres of excellence that deliver consulting and program implementation services with a focus on value on a global scale.

Deeply passionate about the growing significance of sustainability in corporate strategy development, Ravi holds a prestigious position as a member of IBM's Industry Academy, a testament to his impactful contributions to the utilities sector. He holds two patents for his pioneering work in sustainable energy technology innovations.

Additionally, Ravi serves as the ANZ Sector Leader for Energy & Utilities, based in Sydney, where he currently leads IBM Consulting's Energy, Sustainability & Utilities business in the Australia ad New Zealand region.

Session: Future gas demand for gas-powered generation (GPG) - uncertainties, implications and transition concerns

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is the future of gas-powered generation in Australia?

Joe Lane has been working in the research sector for 16 years, exploring tradeoffs associated with Australia’s changing water, food and energy systems. Prior to that, he held research and policy implementation roles in the Queensland water resources sector; and prior to that 7 years as an industrial process engineer. Joe’s energy-related research has steered towards identifying and improving discourse on barriers to achieving society’s decarbonisation goals, initially on issues relevant for India and at global scale. His primary focus is now on Australia’s energy transition, with the UQ Centre for Natural Gas (CNG) and UQ Centre for Policy Futures (CPF). Joe leads decarbonisation-related research themes for the Centre for Natural Gas, including investigations into the role of gas in electricity sector decarbonisation, strategic CCS policy, sectoral methane emissions and policy, and innovation to increase carbon offsets supply.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Tricia Lorenzo is the General Manager of New Product Integration at Flow Power. She leads a team of marketers, customer solutions, and special projects staff in planning, developing, and integrating a range of innovative new products into Flow Power’s portfolio to further the company’s vision of industry-wide change.

Tricia is also responsible for managing the company’s go-to-market strategy, which includes enabling new teams and optimising existing processes to support the company’s goals.

With over 10 years’ experience in the energy industry, Tricia specialises in supporting the growth of new business opportunities. She’s passionate about customer education and empowerment, supporting Australians to create the renewable energy future.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How quickly can batteries take their position as stabilisers of renewable energy?

Ashley Manna is Head of Business Development at ElectraNet, responsible for leading the creation and development of opportunities that enhance the growth of ElectraNet’s regulated and unregulated high voltage services, in particular engaging and supporting customers to connect into the South Australian network.

This includes ongoing strategies to optimise the unregulated revenue portfolio across all contracted service lines comprising of transmission connection services, telecommunications, new business, consultation, and strategic investment opportunities.

Ashley joined ElectraNet in 2015 and has held leadership roles across the organisation’s business development, corporate development, unregulated revenue stream and connected customer functions.

He has more than 30 years of experience in operations, project management, management and engineering consulting, business development and commercial management, particularly in the electricity transmission and power generation sectors.

Ashley holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (first class Honours) from the University of Adelaide.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is the future of gas-powered generation in Australia?

Cathryn manages a wide portfolio of AGIG’s external-facing functions, with a particular focus on leading the business through the energy transition. She leads business strategy, as well as sustainability, customer engagement, corporate affairs, business development, marketing and our industry-leading work in hydrogen development. Cathryn joined the business in 2022, following 20 years in the telecommunications industry across various roles spanning the public and private sector. Cathryn’s extensive experience in navigating through sector transitions is extremely valuable to AGIG as we do the same. Cathryn holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts and has also completed the Stanford Executive Program at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we enable the transition to meet our decarbonisation ambitions?

Françoise Merit – Chief Financial Officer, Endeavour Energy Françoise joined Endeavour Energy at its first female Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in October 2020 and plays a pivotal role in transforming the company’s financial operations and regulatory protocols. Françoise has over 20 years’ experience in the engineering, infrastructure and defence sectors encompassing finance, risk management, project performance, commercial and contractual negotiations. Françoise’s previous roles include ten years in the defence sector, across the Australian Defence Industry and Thales, prior to joining Aurecon as Global Chief Financial Officer. Françoise’s operational experience and financial background is a key driver in leading Endeavour Energy’s transformation to a modern grid, with a focus on sustainable outcomes through emphasising the strategic partnership model, automation and adoption of new technologies. Her executive leadership and sponsorship at Endeavour Energy was instrumental leading up to the first sustainability strategy that was approved and executed in 2022. In January 2022, Françoise implemented and drove the inaugural Sustainable Linked Loan, setting an industry benchmark. 

Françoise is also passionate about Diversity and Inclusion and driving the organisational rewards associated with it, with a focus on increasing female leadership in senior and executive roles. 

QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS 

A Fellow of CPA Australia, Françoise holds a Master in Business Administration, from ESSCA Business School in France and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Françoise was appointed Chair of the French Foreign Trade Advisory Board in January 2020, having joined in 2018.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Maximizing battery ROI by bundling use cases into one BESS

Andy Miller has been with PXiSE Energy Solutions since its inception in 2016 and oversees business development and sales. Andy has played an integral role in growing PXiSE by developing comprehensive business and go-to-market plans, establishing strategic partnerships, leading pricing strategy, and conducting techno-economic product analysis.

Session: Capturing long-term economic growth, energy security, and securing a position as a key player in the global supply chain for batteries

Beth is a seasoned strategic planner with experience across diverse policy settings including community development, rural industries, sustainable procurement, corporate sustainability, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Previously, Beth was Director of Asset Strategies in an infrastructure branch of the ACT Government where she coordinated emission reduction strategies and key partnerships to transition ACT’s public schools to a zero-emission future. Notable achievements include the first zero emission public school in the ACT and laying the foundations for a future virtual power plant.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Do we need to start over, or can existing regulation be adapted to meet the needs of a distributed, renewable energy system?

Elizabeth Molyneux is the Deputy Secretary, Energy and commenced in the role in October 2022. With 25 years of experience in energy markets and policy reform, including as a senior executive at AGL Energy, Elizabeth has demonstrated significant expertise in energy wholesale and retail markets, network regulation, new energy technologies and consumer protection frameworks.

Elizabeth brings a strong focus on consumer outcomes in a dynamic period of change and transition in Victorian and national energy systems. With her background, Elizabeth is well placed to support the Victorian Government's leadership in energy policy and programs, new energy supply chain investments, regional economic development opportunities and the decarbonisation of gas, transport and industrial systems in Victoria.

Elizabeth also holds a Bachelor of Science and post graduate qualifications in Economics and Applied Finance and Investment.

Session: Supporting secure, reliable and affordable energy through the NEM Reform Program

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to manage DER and the impact of electrification?

Violette’s role focuses on delivering reforms and market changes.

Prior to moving to her current role in December 2018, Violette held various roles at AEMO in market design development, market change implementation and operations.

Violette previously held roles driving energy market policy in the Commonwealth government and working on competition policy initiatives at the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Her experience includes economic regulation, energy policy development, development of regulatory frameworks, market development and design, and market change implementation.

Session: FIRESIDE CHAT: Addressing the uncertainties and risks in Australia’s decarbonisation plans

Damien joined AGL in March 2013 and held several senior executive finance roles before being appointed Interim CFO in August 2018, then formally CFO in May 2019. Damien was appointed interim CEO in September 2022 and confirmed as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer in January 2023.

Damien has more than 27 years' experience across large multinational businesses including Linfox Logistics, Smorgon Steel and Deloitte.

Damien is the Chair of ActewAGL, a joint venture that governs the electricity and gas retailer and distribution businesses in the ACT. Damien holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from La Trobe University, is a fellow of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to elevate the customer experience?

With a career spanning more than two decades, Nick is dedicated energy product innovation - conceiving, developing and delivering technology solutions for the energy industry to help them better serve and engage with their customers.

His journey started deeply entrenched in market connectivity products, specifically aimed at synchronising systems with MSATS. With Hansen, his attention has been on SaaS-based Customer Information and Billing Systems, with a view to ensuring flexible and agile products to enable retailers to deliver innovative offerings more quickly.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Shannon commenced his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre on 1 December 2021.

He is a seasoned executive with 25 years’ experience in the energy sector including senior management roles with Woodside, Chevron and industrial research with Rio Tinto.

His career spans traditional and renewable energy markets with a track record of success in the commercialisation of research outcomes including managing CRC collaborations through the Future Fuels CRC and the CO2 CRC.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What does energy regulatory utopia look like?

Session: Efficiently coordinating all aspects of the energy system through the transition

Justin Oliver was appointed a Board Member of the Australian Energy Regulator in February 2020.

Justin was formerly a partner of MinterEllison, specialising in competition law and energy regulation. 

Prior to joining MinterEllison, Justin was the head of the ACCC’s regulatory law practice, advising on all aspects of energy, communications and transport regulation, and became the head of legal for the Australian Energy Regulator upon its creation in 2005. 

Justin has also worked as a senior lawyer in the Victorian Premier’s Department.

For two decades, Justin has acted for governments, regulators and industry participants involved in all parts of Australia’s energy sector.  

Justin holds a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Monash University.

Session: Successfully navigating to Grid 2035+

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What regulation would improve grid efficiency and support developers of renewable generation and storage?

Alistair is the CEO of VicGrid, which leads the planning and development of Victorian Renewable Energy Zones. 

He has over 35 years’ experience in the energy industry, including a decade of executive leadership roles at AusNet Services in Victoria and the Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory.

Alistair’s early career in the UK comprised 15 years with National Grid, as an engineer and in commercial roles. He was then a consultant with Ernst & Young in New Zealand and PricewaterhouseCoopers in Australia.

Session: Examining the economics of behind-the-meter batteries for industrial sites

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How quickly can batteries take their position as stabilisers of renewable energy?

Stuart is an internationally experienced executive, lecturer and Chartered Accountant who has a depth of experience across a wide range of public sector and commercial areas including finance, procurement, risk management and strategy.

He has worked as an executive across funds management, financial management and financial accounting in Australia, the US and UK. Prior to establishing his own consultancy Stuart worked as a Chartered Accountant with leading global firms including Ernst & Young, Prudential (UK) Wilhelmsen Investments and Brookfield Asset Management.

As an experienced member of international company group audit and risk committees, Stuart has a solid understanding of international finance and accounting issues. He has managed virtual teams focusing on strategic finance and accounting issues for major listed companies in Europe and North America.

Stuart holds a Master of Commerce from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Economics) from the University of Queensland.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What does energy regulatory utopia look like?

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Mark Paterson is the Principal and Lead Systems Architect of Energy Catalyst, a specialist consulting practice focused on the key structural shifts required for legacy power systems to be capable of a secure and cost-efficient Net Zero Emissions future. 

Working at the intersection of strategic vision and real-world application, Mark has led several national energy system transformation projects in Australia, including as Chair of the CSIRO Future Grid Forum and Program Director of the CSIRO/ENA Electricity Network Transformation Roadmap. At Horizon Power and Energex, he led the innovative development and scale deployment of several utility technology innovation firsts. 

Mark is globally recognised as an expert in Power Systems Architecture disciplines which are critical to secure and cost-efficient grid transformation.  He is a Fellow of the Pacific Energy Institute, an invited Associate of the US Department of Energy’s GridWise Architecture Council (GWAC) and a contributing author for the IEEE Power & Energy Society.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to elevate the customer experience?

Peter is an accomplished leader of people with extensive experience in building and inspiring high performing teams in the sales and service environments, experienced in all aspects of contact centre management along with a proven record in project delivery.

Session: Better community engagement for a just energy transition – insights from Europe

Tina is an experienced leader in the utilities space that thrives in transformative, fast paced, complex environments. She brings a wealth of global knowledge and deep expertise to her role as Utilities Consulting Practice Lead at Accenture Australia and New Zealand. Before relocating to Australia in 2023, Tina spent 17 years with Accenture in Europe and North America helping leading utilities companies unlock their full potential, accelerate energy transition and undertake large digital transformation programs. Having supported the retail side of utilities with large innovation and digitisation programs in the first part of her career, Tina is now also applying these capabilities and insights to the infrastructure heavy side of the value chain to help Australia accelerate its Energy transition.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is ‘Plan B’ if current projections and plans fail?

Session: Measuring how appropriate current regulation frameworks are for coordinating all aspects of the energy system through the transition

Peter was appointed to the Energy Queensland Executive in November 2016 and is responsible for leading the Group’s engineering and asset management strategies, which includes the safe and efficient management of the Group’s electricity distribution networks. Peter is also accountable for the Energy Queensland Corporate Strategy and Regulatory outcomes.

Prior to joining Energy Queensland, Mr Price was a member of Energex’s executive management team for ten years undertaking a number of roles which included managing and leading capital planning and program delivery, asset management, procurement, regulatory issues and the growth of new commercial business. 

He has a strong background in Queensland's skills and training sector including being Chair of Energy Skills Queensland, a Director of the TAFE Queensland Board.

Mr Price holds a bachelor degree (with honours) and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Queensland and is a Fellow of AICD.

Session: Masterclass D: Australian Energy Industry Boot Camp (Morning)

David Prins is a highly accomplished consultant and project manager, with extensive international consulting experience and expertise in strategic, regulatory and commercial issues, particularly from a customer perspective.  He has a keen understanding and over thirty years of practical experience spanning four continents, specialising in the application of effective regulation, competition and customer engagement in electricity and gas industries.  David thrives on understanding how regulation and competition inter-relate in energy markets, and helping his clients to navigate the often difficult environments in which they have to participate and engage.

David has provided advice to public and private sector clients – industry participants, governments, regulators, customer advocates, and consumer organisations and vendors who would like to improve their understanding of energy and utility markets, and the outcomes for customers – throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Much of David’s recent work has focused on advice on consumer facing issues in energy and water industries, including regulation of energy network businesses, advice on embedded networks, smart metering in energy and water industries, and retail energy strategy, pricing and margins.  Within Australia, he has worked extensively on national energy market and regulatory arrangements, and also jurisdictionally in all of Australia’s states and territories.  He is a recognised international expert in the areas of cost-benefit analysis, the regulatory and commercial challenges of the rollout of smart meters, consumer engagement, and benefits realisation for consumers.

Session: FIRESIDE CHAT: Future customer platforms and engagement… ready for it?

Ayesha Razzaq BEng (Hons) GAICD FAMI was appointed Executive General Manager, Retail in March 2020.

Ayesha is responsible for leading Energy Queensland’s Retail business, Ergon Energy Retail. This includes delivering a positive customer experience, managing wholesale energy procurement, and the ongoing development of products and service choices for customers.

With over 20 years’ experience in senior executive roles within the energy industry, Ayesha is committed to customer-centricity, operational and transformational excellence, and driving innovative strategies to deliver profitable growth. Her prior experience in navigating a Retail business through significant energy industry change will help continue to move the Retail business forward in its customer-centric approach.

Ayesha holds a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours and has graduated from Harvard Business School where she completed the Advanced Management Program. She was awarded the 2017 ACT Corporate Telstra Business Woman Award.

Session: CEO PANEL: What are the clear, consistent, and long term ways industry and policy makers can drive stakeholder confidence?

Brett Redman is a highly experienced energy industry executive at the centre of Australia’s energy transition. He was appointed CEO of Transgrid in November 2021, tasked with leading the build of the nation’s energy super-highways, involving some of Australia’s largest ever transmission projects.

No country in the world is yet running a nation-sized power network with 100% wind and solar generation. Brett is determined to innovate and invest early in building the industry capabilities and capacity to enable Australia’s rapid transition to 100% instantaneous renewable power.

Brett’s three decades of leadership experience include nearly 15 years at AGL Energy, where he was appointed CEO and Managing Director in 2018. He is also the former Chair of the Australian Energy Council.

Brett is a passionate believer that corporates must build their social license as well as the bottom line to be truly successful. He is committed to working across the community to help build an energy market that is reliable, affordable, and sustainable. Brett is a proud member of the Champions of Change Coalition, personally taking the lead on gender equality actions.

Session: Taking Australia’s energy advantage seriously

Tennant Reed is Director - Climate Change and Energy at the Australian Industry Group. Since 2008 he has been deeply involved in Australian climate and energy issues: advising Ai Group's Leaders' Group on Energy and Climate Policy; coordinating joint research and advocacy with wider energy stakeholder; facilitating the Australian Climate Roundtable; developing reports on energy prices, carbon border adjustments and business energy use; and closely observing international climate negotiations. In 2021 he was appointed to the Independent Expert Panel recommending 2035 emissins targets for the State of Victoria. Tennant lives in Melbourne. 

Session: Assessing the results of Project Edith, EDGE and Symphony and what these mean for future energy policy

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can the energy system be centred around consumers?

A Business Lead within AEMO's Reform Delivery area, Nick led Project EDGE, a practical end-to-end DER market integration demonstration. Project EDGE (Energy Demand and Generation Exchange) developed an evidence base to support reform for CER integration, at scale, into Australia’s power systems and markets that has consumers’ best interests at its core.

Nick has held product, project management and management consulting roles focussed on the decentralisation of Australia's power system and its economic, market and commercial implications. Prior to entering the energy industry, Nick worked in corporate banking deal teams as a credit risk analyst. Nick is passionate about shaping an energy system that operates in the best interests of people and the planet.

Session: Accelerating the production of renewable gas projects within the next few years to meet net zero goals

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can batteries best support a faltering energy transition?

Emma Roberts leads CS Energy’s Future Energy division, which is spearheading the development of a new low-cost, decarbonised and flexible energy portfolio for the business. The division includes business development, future energy asset design and project management, retail sales, customer products, and policy and regulatory advocacy.

Her in-depth knowledge of the National Electricity Market, coupled with her commercial acumen and leadership skills, has seen Emma hold a variety of senior roles since joining CS Energy in 2012. These include Senior Legal Counsel, Acting Executive General Counsel and Company Secretary, and Head of Future Energy.

Emma has developed a strong reputation for leading cross-functional teams to deliver positive business outcomes. She led the establishment of CS Energy’s retail function and has driven CS Energy’s pivot towards a customer-focussed culture as the business diversifies in response to the transformation of the energy system.

Emma holds degrees in law and applied science. Prior to joining CS Energy, she was a senior associate at McCullough Robertson Lawyers for eight years, working in the corporate and intellectual property teams.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How quickly can batteries take their position as stabilisers of renewable energy?

Emma was appointed General Manager Strategic Network Operations for Powerlink in Sep 2023. Previously, she was Manager Network Operations South-East for Energy Queensland for nearly 5 years. Emma spent more than 10 years with Energex, finishing there as Power Systems Engineer - Customer Connections.

Emma holds a Master of Business Administration from Australian Institute of Business, A Bacheloe of Law and a Bachelor of Engineering from QUT (Queensland University of Technology).

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Which generation formats are going to contribute most in the long and short term?

A leader in Sustainability and the energy sector, Julie established Accenture’s Sustainability practice in France before moving to Australia to lead the development of Accenture ANZ’s Energy Transition business. With over 20 years experience in the energy industry across Europe and Australia, Julie brings deep practical knowledge on eMobility, future grid, industrial clusters, hydrogen, renewables production and ESG reporting to help Accenture’s clients transition to the new green energy economy.

Session: Providing the right settings for the private capital investment required to support the energy transition

David is a partner in the Corporate Group specialising in energy, resources and infrastructure transactions and regulation.

David advises clients on major commercial transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He is listed as a leading lawyer in energy, infrastructure, oil & gas, mining and M&A by various publications, including Chambers, Best Lawyers and Doyle’s Guide.

David holds a LLB (Hons) and BComm from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. He is a member of the Australian Resources & Energy Law Association (AMPLA).

Prior to joining Herbert Smith Freehills David was the global head of mining for another large international law firm.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What regulation would improve grid efficiency and support developers of renewable generation and storage?

Kala Saban is an Associate Director in the Rewiring the Nation team at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. Kala specialises in transmission and grid related infrastructure investments, including the Rewiring the Nation fund, supporting Australia’s energy transition. Kala has more than 7 years’ experience in investment and finance in the transmission, renewable energy and transport sectors across a number of transactions. Prior to joining the CEFC, Kala worked for EY and KPMG. Kala is a Chartered Financial Analyst, a Certified Practising Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Finance from the University of Colombo.

Session: Masterclass C: Fundamentals of battery economics

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: ‘Mainstreaming’ batteries: How to identify the most competitive technologies and ensure profitable deployment

Oliver Schmidt is a clean energy expert with a particular focus on energy storage. He published the book Monetizing Energy Storage and launched the online analysis platform www.EnergyStorage.ninja in 2023. He has previous experience as project manager at the strategy and financial transaction advisory firm Apricum, where he supported top management with strategic advice in the energy storage, solar PV, and hydrogen industries. Oliver also worked as an energy analyst at the International Energy Agency and as a management consultant at the European utility E.ON. He has a PhD on the future cost and value of energy storage from Imperial College London.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can urgent transition and affordability issues be addressed effectively?

Mazhar is a strategic finance leader with over 18 years of experience gained in multinational organizations across three continents, specializing primarily in the energy sector. With strong commercial acumen and technical finance skills, he has a passion for understanding and driving business performance. He is known for providing robust financial oversight with a focus on cross functional dependencies and collaboration.

He uses strong communication and interpersonal skills to prioritise stakeholder management, and thrives on developing and empowering teams to maximise value. Mazhar is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a CFA® charterholder.

Session:CEO PANEL: What are the clear, consistent, and long term ways industry and policy makers can drive stakeholder confidence?

Tarandeep Singh Ahuja co-leads McKinsey & Company's Energy Practice in Australia and New Zealand and leads the Product Development and Procurement Practice across the Asia Pacific region. He is a Partner based in McKinsey’s Melbourne office.

Tarandeep is passionate about helping industry lead the way on the energy transition. He works with leading public and private sector organisations across the energy value chain on a variety of topics including strategy, growth, M&A, transformation, digitisation, and decarbonisation.

Tarandeep has served as a knowledge advisor to Australian Energy Week and for the last half decade, hosted multiple panels on the annual event’s main stage.

Session: What does more solar generated power do to Australia’s economy?

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What regulation would improve grid efficiency and support developers of renewable generation and storage?

Professor Magnus Soederberg comes to us from Sweden where he worked at Halmstad University. Previously he was responsible for developing and teaching the B.Sc. in Energy Management at the University of Southern Denmark, the only undergraduate education in Scandinavia that focuses on energy economics/business. His current research interests include regulation approaches, benchmark methods and consumer responses to electricity prices.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What regulation would improve grid efficiency and support developers of renewable generation and storage?

Session: Lessons from competing for transmission equipment in the global supply chain

Craig Stallan BEng (Hons) GAICD is responsible for the safe development and delivery of Transgrid’s maintenance and capital programs. Craig has more than 25 years’ experience in heavy industry including mining, manufacturing, and oil and gas, working in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia.

Prior to joining Transgrid, Craig held senior executive roles in commercial, operations and projects, leading large and complex divisions in the oil and gas, and energy infrastructure industries.

Craig is committed to values based leadership with a deep-seated desire to contribute to the industry’s responsible impact on the planet.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can the energy system be centred around consumers?

Kate was appointed the chairperson of the Essential Services Commission in September 2019. As a lawyer with qualifications in public administration and corporate governance, Kate has experience across a number of sectors.

Prior to her appointment as the chairperson, Kate was the legal commissioner at the Essential Services Commission. Kate acted as solicitor-assisting for the HIH Insurance Royal Commission, has held roles within the university sector and the Federal Court of Australia, and has worked in private practice both in Australia and overseas.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Adelaide, a Master of Public Administration from Flinders University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Kate has a passion for ensuring customer experiences are considered at every step of regulatory processes.

Session: Masterclass D: Australian Energy Industry Boot Camp (Afternoon)

Combining experience as an executive in a major ASX-listed electricity and gas network company, as well as in law firms in Australia, Asia and the US, Susan brings deep experience in regulated energy markets both in Australia and internationally.

Susan’s unique insight and understanding of regulatory frameworks are based on her instrumental role in developing early versions of many of the regulatory instruments that apply to the electricity and gas sectors across Australia and advising industry participants, policy makers and regulators on a wide range of complex energy regulatory matters over the past 20+ years.

Session: DISCUSSION PANEL: What is best practice for genuine engagement with communities?

Ms Joy Thomas has worked as an adviser to Federal Government Ministers, has held senior positions across the primary health care sector and currently works with, and advises, rural and regional industries and the energy sector.

Joy is a participating member of the AEMO Advisory Council on Social Licence.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How quickly can batteries take their position as stabilisers of renewable energy?

Carlos Trench is an energy professional with over 16 years of experience managing complex energy projects, from development to delivery and operations.  Prior to ENGIE, Carlos held various senior-level roles delivering renewable projects across the country and major infrastructure assets across four continents. Most recently he was National Product Delivery Manager – Renewable Energy – for Vicinity Centres, one of Australia’s leading retail property groups.

Carlos is passionate about finding solutions for the challenges of climate change, and advocates for fast and technology-agnostic action. He has worked closely with research groups, including the Monash Energy Institute and the CRC Race for 2030.

Carlos has led the delivery of Project Yuri – Australia’s largest green hydrogen project under construction’ and is in charge of developing other green hydrogen projects in the region.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we enable the transition to meet our decarbonisation ambitions?

Sophie is a Partner at McKinsey & Company and a leader in the firm’s McKinsey’s Sustainability Practice, focused on climate strategy, climate risk, ‘green’ opportunities, and the transition to net zero. 

She serves a broad range of clients including financial institutions, mining companies, NGOs & governments, and telecommunications & technology companies, across Australia, Asia and Europe. She is also the leader of the Brisbane office, focused on attracting the best talent and making a difference to the community in Queensland.

Session: CEO PANEL: What are the clear, consistent, and long term ways industry and policy makers can drive stakeholder confidence?

Session: Balancing energy flows by dynamically coordinating battery charging and discharging operations

As Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Power, Stephanie Unwin leads a 500 strong team of energy professionals to deliver power to some of Western Australia’s most remote and regional communities.

Under her leadership Horizon Power is transforming the WA regional energy landscape in an increasingly decentralised delivery model to more than 48,000 connections across 32 microgrids through 2.3 million square kilometres of rugged and remote territory.

Stephanie is passionate about collaboration, inclusion and diversity to build an engaged and inspired workforce. Her ability to facilitate change on a foundation of safety is delivering Horizon Power’s vision of innovative customer choices, reduced costs and cleaner, greener energy solutions for the future through reducing Horizon Power’s carbon footprint, and investing in new technologies such as hydrogen.

Stephanie is a recognised energy industry leader having joined Verve Energy in 2008, continuing into its transition to Synergy. Stephanie has significant executive and Board-level experience with a number of publicly listed companies, including Alacer Gold Corp, Zenith Energy, Integra Mining Limited and several non-listed joint ventures. She is currently a Board Member of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and is a member of the CSIRO Energy Advisory Group. Stephanie is also a Senate member of Murdoch University.

Stephanie brings a depth of experience in large scale and remote renewables, battery storage technology transformation and information technology.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can batteries best support a faltering energy transition?

As CEO of Energy Networks Australia (ENA), Dominique van den Berg brings international energy sector experience spanning more than twenty years – from leading BG Group’s operations in South and East Asia, to Shell’s energy transition team in Australia to AGL’s decentralised energy team. Dom grew up in South Africa and after living and working in the UK, Kazakhstan and Singapore now considers Australia home. Dom and her partner Michele have two young children and live on the Mornington Peninsula.

Australia’s energy transition is well underway, and ENA will continue to be at the centre of this change. The environment is set for Australia to take a leadership position in network innovation, and ENA looks forward to leading the change with its members.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is ‘Plan B’ if current projections and plans fail?

Erin is an experienced energy sector leader with two decades’ experience across strategy, trading, energy project development and corporate finance. She thrives on solving problems and delivering outcomes in complex, fast paced environments. Erin brings deep knowledge of the market and regulatory environment in the Australian energy sector and a strong track record for building talented, engaged and high performing teams. Erin is currently Executive General Manager Strategy at Hydro Tasmania, responsible for setting Hydro Tasmania’s strategic direction and championing its execution. Erin is proud to be making a positive contribution to Australia's low carbon energy transition.

Session: Keeping pace with customers’ changing needs - Future Home Demand Report

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Do we need to start over, or can existing regulation be adapted to meet the needs of a distributed, renewable energy system?

Renate is General Manager of Regulation for CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy. She is an experienced executive with over 20 years’ experience in electricity infrastructure, including working for the ACCC, AER, AusNet Services and CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy.

Renate’s remit includes revenue and market regulation, electricity innovation, developing commercial non-regulated business streams, customer engagement and development of corporate plans.

Renate’s experience includes government, regulatory, customer and shareholder relations. Renate is a strong advocate for customer outcomes and has been directly involved in cultural transformation of customer engagement and aligning business and customer objectives.

Renate has also actively participated in the development of CitiPower’s, Powercor’s and United Energy’s energy transformation strategy and the design and implementation of innovative and cost-effective solutions for the electrification of Victoria.

Renate has a Bachelor Commerce (degree with honours) and Bachelor of Arts degree from Melbourne University and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can the energy system be centred around consumers?

Lesley has more than 15 years of customer engagement experience, including significant experience within the banking and finance sectors.
 
She joined Synergy in January 2022 and was appointed Executive General Manager, Customer, in August 2022. Lesley is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service and innovative solutions to enable and support Synergy’s customers to meet their changing energy needs. Her team works to leverage market insights for application across the sales and customer experience.

She holds a Graduate Certificate of Business (Leadership) from Edith Cowan University.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What does energy regulatory utopia look like?

Matthew Warren is a leading commentator on climate and energy in Australia. Matthew has spent the past 25 years inside Australia’s energy and environmental policy debates. He has represented coal, renewables and major energy companies, running the Australian Energy Council and the Clean Energy Council. He is author of the Walkley nominated book Blackout, and is a regular contributor on energy and climate for the Australian Financial Review. He is a Principal at Boardroom Energy, a business advisory on energy and climate.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the best ways to manage DER and the impact of electrification?

Frédéric (Fred) Wauquiez is Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) Product Director in GE Vernova Grid Software. He is in charge of strategy, roadmap definition and execution for the solution, designed to help utilities around the globe turn the Renewables and DER disruption from a threat to an opportunity. Frédéric has over twenty years of experience in international B2B Business Development. A power solution and service line that he co-founded for telecom networks in areas with poor electricity supply received European Commission’s Sustainable Energy Europe prize in 2010.

Session: Assembling the energy puzzle to provide stability now and in the future

Daniel Westerman commenced as CEO and Managing Director of AEMO in May 2021. He oversees AEMO’s strategy and operations, including collaboration with industry and policy makers.

Under Daniel's leadership, AEMO has ensured a secure and reliable supply of electricity and gas for customers through increasingly complex operations across Australia's energy grids, and developed a trusted set of roadmaps to transition Australia to a net zero energy system. Internally, AEMO has built a purpose led and values based culture, with strong uplifts in employee engagement, diversity & inclusion, customer orientation, and financial performance. AEMO is a trusted partner of both industry and governments.

Prior to joining AEMO, Daniel held a variety of senior executive roles with London-listed electricity and gas utility, National Grid Plc., after an earlier career with McKinsey & Company and Ford Motor Company.

Daniel holds degrees in Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Melbourne, and an MBA from Melbourne Business School. He is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, a Chartered Engineer, and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors.

Session: Adjusting policy to accelerate the transition

Alex is a respected and proven senior executive and thought leader who has shaped the national and state-based strategic agenda in the energy sector through my work at AEMO, Aurecon, CSIRO and McKinsey.

He has worked with governments and industry in the Energy and Resources sector on issues ranging from strategic investment decisions in a complex and rapidly changing market environment, development and procurement of new large-scale infrastructure, impact of new technologies, to operational and organisational improvement.

Alex is also a sought after public speaker and pod cast guest on energy matters. He has served on a range of energy and resources related advisory committees and boards (CSIRO Chile, Evergen, CO2CRC, ANLEC, Australian Solar Institute).

Session: The integration of centralised protection systems in the era of digitalisation

Orhan Yilmaz, an accomplished professional in Electrical Engineering, has established himself as a versatile leader in protection and control systems. Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in the field of Electrical Engineering at the renowned Wollongong University, Orhan embarked on his journey in the world of technology and innovation from a young age, allowing him to hone his technical skills and lay the foundation for his future in the industry. 

Currently working as the Product Marketing Manager at ABB for Digital Substation Products and Digital Systems, Orhan brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision to his role. He has been with ABB for over 10 years, underpinning both his dedication and commitment to growth and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

Session: FIRESIDE CHAT: Addressing the uncertainties and risks in Australia’s decarbonisation plans

Daniel Ziffer has worked at the intersection of journalism and public debate for more than two decades. He covers business issues for ABC News, presents the Finance segment on the 7PM bulletin nationally and appears on radio and television programs around the nation. Daniel is the long-time senior producer of Mornings with Jon Faine, ABC Radio Melbourne, and has worked on air and in production at Macquarie Radio, as a freelance foreign correspondent based in New York City, journalist at The Age and a magazine editor. In 2019 he wrote a book called ‘A Wunch of Bankers: A year in the Hayne Royal Commission’.

Session:Navigating the transition: the commercial, technical, and regulatory dynamics of integrating clean energy technologies into the power system

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Do we need to start over, or can existing regulation be adapted to meet the needs of a distributed, renewable energy system?

Christiaan is an experienced policy Director and project leader working on the transition to a decarbonised grid. His work is about facilitating new investment in renewables and improving outcomes for renewable generation and storage businesses.

Currently focussed on improving the connections process, promoting energy storage, developing new system security services and exploring ways to improve the NEM process for transmission investment.

Delivery of focussed regulatory advice and public policy advocacy is a key skill. With a large and growing network, he sees his current role as fostering collaboration and supplying the right information when and where it’s needed.

Christiaan has extensive experience leading multi-disciplinary teams to develop policy solutions for a rapidly changing power system and energy market. He has worked on many projects focused on the integration of renewable generation into the power system, as well as how to develop markets for energy and other services.