In October 2016, the NSW government accepted an unsolicited proposal from IFM Investors and AustralianSuper to lease 50.4 per cent of Ausgrid for 99 years. The deal followed the federal government’s rejection of two bids from foreign investors, for national security reasons. This performance audit has found shortcomings in the unsolicited proposal process.

Annually, AEMO prepares a summer readiness plan, collaborating with generation and transmission network providers, federal and state governments, and key agencies to actively manage heightened risks to power system operations.

The Australian Energy Market Commission has made a more preferable rule that will require large electricity generators to provide at least three years’ notice of their intention to close. The provision of this information to the market will help minimise the likelihood of any price shocks that could result from sudden retirements.

The Australia Institute apologises for the delay in publishing the October National Energy Emissions Audit, which was due to internal considerations. The November National Energy Emissions Audit is currently being prepared and will be released on time. The Audit shows that Australia’s emissions continue to increase, being driven by growing LNG exports, greater diesel use...

This options paper sets out different ways for the Australian Energy Market Operator to procure ‘standby’ electricity reserves under the Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader (RERT) when a supply shortfall is forecast.