An outgoing chairman and a new CEO were highlights at the Energy Networks Association (ENA) annual dinner, held in Canberra on 3 November.
After two days of policy meetings, ENA members were in a mood to reflect on the past year as ENA’s outgoing chairman Shane Breheny (CEO Citipower/Powercor) and new CEO Malcolm Roberts congratulated ENA members and staff for their achievements during 2011.
Malcolm Roberts joined the Energy Networks Association (ENA) as its new chief executive officer in October. He was formerly the executive director of the National Generators Forum and has extensive experience leading industry associations as well as in senior government advisory roles.
“We are delighted to have someone of Malcolm’s calibre and expertise leading the association and representing Australia’s electricity and gas network businesses,” former ENA chairman Shane Breheny said after Mr Roberts was appointed in September.
Mr Breheny acknowledged the ENA’s acting CEO John Devereaux for his contribution to the association.
“John has steered the organisation smoothly, while providing strong support for the board and for the ENA’s members. We have greatly appreciated his ready support and his professional expertise,” he said.
ENERGEX CEO Terry Effeney was elected to the position of Energy Networks Association (ENA) chairman in November while Jemena managing director Paul Adams was elected deputy chairman.
Mr Effeney succeeds Citipower/Powercor CEO Shane Breheny, whose term on the board expired. Mr Breheny led ENA for the last two years and has served four years on the board. The ENA board congratulated Mr Breheny for his achievements as chairman and director over that time.
Mr Effeney was ENA’s deputy chair and chair of ENA’s smart networks committee. He has been chief executive officer at south-east Queensland electricity provider ENERGEX since January 2007 and was previously chief operating officer with of Ergon Energy for three years.
Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon. Stephen Conroy was the guest speaker for the evening. The Minister highlighted the accelerating roll-out of the National Broadband Network and the technical work being done with ENA to ensure that the NBN is a platform for smart energy technology.
ENA member Darryl Ramm, formerly with ActewAGL, was among those recognised on the night for contributions to the association for his work on health, safety and environmental issues.
With major policy decisions looming on network regulation, the ENA believes 2012 promises to be a watershed year for networks.