The NSW Government is looking to commission an independent review of the State’s energy policies to ensure that it has the correct policies in place to deliver a timely and cost-effective transition of its electricity sector.
The review supports the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, which aims to develop renewable energy projects to replace aging coal power stations
The independent check-up will ensure that the state has the right policy settings and programs to deliver the generation and transmission infrastructure required.
It will also check if NSW can manage any residual risks to reliability and price in the short-term, should the Eraring Power Station close in 2025.
Cameron O’Reilly, an energy and public policy specialist, has been selected to manage the review.
O’Reilly, which has extensive experience working across the Australian energy market, will stress test electricity supply and reliability in metropolitan and regional NSW.
Supported by an expert advisory panel, he will identify whether any additional measures may be required to deliver cheap and reliable electricity.
O’Reilly will announce the results of the report in early August.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said the check-up will help the Government identify what else it needs to do to remove barriers to delivery and accelerate getting the infrastructure up and running.
“Cameron O’Reilly is a very experienced, highly respected energy expert and I am pleased that he will be able to bring an independent, practical eye to this check-up,” Minister Sharpe noted.
“Mr O’Reilly will stress test the policies in place to ensure we have the right plans in place to deliver an orderly energy transition as quickly as possible to ensure reliable, affordable and clean electricity for NSW households and businesses,” The minister added.
