New AER Chair announced

AER, Schneider Electric, Western Power, regulator, power disconnections

The Australian Government has announced the appointment of Clare Savage as the next Chair of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Ms Savage has more than 17 yearsโ€™ experience in the energy sector, working across a breadth of regulatory, operation, business and policy roles, most recently as Deputy Chair of the Energy Security Board.

Clare Savage
Clare Savage

James Cox will act as AER Chair until Ms Savage commences in the role on October 14, 2019.

Energy Networks CEO Andrew Dillon has congratulated Ms Savage on her appointment, saying she would bring to her new role deep experience as Deputy Chair of the Energy Security Board.

Related article: Here’s how Ausgrid prepped for bushfire season

โ€œEnergy networks look forward to working with the AER and Ms Savage on continuing to deliver benefits to customers,โ€ Mr Dillon said.

โ€œAs networks around Australia connect record levels of renewable generation and a wide array of distributed energy resources, ensuring all customers benefit from their values and flexibility will be key.

โ€œA critical first step in that will be the right investments in the right places with smart technologies to promote visibility and fair access.โ€

Related article: NT Govt climate policy criticised for missing the fracking point

Mr Dillon thanked outgoing Chair, Paula Conboy, for her service and commitment to collaborative and constructive discussions between networks, the regulator and customers.

โ€œPaulaโ€™s commitment to the New Reg Trial with AusNet saw strongly practical reforms to the way networks interact and consult with their customers, which will benefit all,โ€ he said.

Previous articleHereโ€™s how Ausgrid prepped for bushfire season
Next articleARENA helping investigation of renewables in manufacturing process heating