CS Energy has announced the departure of its CEO Andrew Bills, who has been appointed to head SA Power Networks as it continues to lead the transition to a net 100% renewable energy system in South Australia.
Bills will replace Rob Stobbe who is retiring as CEO of SA Power Networks after 13 years in the role, having steered the business through a major phase of the state’s transition toward a net-100% renewable energy system.
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Bills brings extensive experience in energy and infrastructure in multiple roles across retail, supply chain and strategy, most recently as Chief Executive of CS Energy in Queensland, which provides electricity retail and generation support for commercial and industrial customers through the northern State. Before that Andrew was a key executive at Origin Energy.
Announcing the appointment, SA Power Networks Board chair Peter Tulloch said, “Andrew will bring extensive energy industry experience to the business given his incredibly strong background in retailing, energy markets and generation, including renewables.
“We made a very thorough and rigorous search for the right person to lead SA Power Networks and Andrew made an impressive presentation regarding the future of energy.
“I know he is very excited by the way in which SA Power Networks has been pioneering changes in the way the electricity distribution network is managed to support the transition to a renewables-based and customer-driven energy system.”
Bills said he was proud to have led CS Energy during a period of transformational growth.
“It has been a privilege to have led CS Energy as we have evolved from a wholesale generator to a diversified energy business. While the decision to leave CS Energy was a difficult one, I am confident the business is very well placed with highly committed and capable people and a substantial pipeline of new energy investments to lead Queensland’s energy transformation.
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“I am looking forward to the opportunity to build on the impressive performance that SA Power Networks has delivered over many years. South Australia is at the forefront of renewables in Australia and SA Power Networks has a key role to play in the energy transition.”
CS Energy chair Jim Soorley said the board would work closely with Bills and the management team to ensure a smooth transition, with a final date and transition arrangements for an acting CEO to be confirmed.
