Energy Policy Intel

Sample Briefing

Federal Policy & Regulation

AEMC

Previously reported 24 Apr — The Reliability Panel proposed changes to the reliability standard for 2028 to 2032 on 23 April 2026 under project reference REL0094, while AEMC released network pricing reform proposals on 22 April 2026 that could deliver A$6 billion in system savings under project reference EPR0097.

AEMO

Previously reported 5 May — Grid-scale battery pipeline nears current installed capacity levels: Total proposed generation and storage capacity in the NEM connection pipeline approaches today's installed levels, driven by battery surge.

ARENA

Previously reported 28 Apr — ARENA announced A$38.1 million in funding to PLS Group Limited for a lower emission lithium processing demonstration plant in Western Australia using Calix Limited's electric kiln technology, and A$11 million for two First Nations-led microgrid projects in Northern Territory communities.

DCCEEW

Australian Government introduces domestic gas reservation scheme. The Australian Government announced introduction of a domestic gas reservation scheme to secure Australian gas for local users. Gas reservation could reshape energy supply dynamics and affect gas pricing for power generation and industrial users.

DCCEEW (2)

Developer Rating Scheme opens for renewable energy developers. The Developer Rating Scheme is now available to renewable energy developers and transmission companies for assessment. Rating scheme may influence project financing, grid connection processes, and developer selection for government programs.

EPBC Decisions

Electricity Contract Co-design Working Group established to reform market structures. Government established Electricity Contract Co-design Working Group on May 8, 2026 to update market frameworks. Market contract redesign could significantly impact how electricity generators and retailers structure commercial arrangements.

The Energy (2)

Clean energy investors warn against proposed capital gains tax changes. The peak clean energy investor body warned of price hikes and energy security risks from Treasurer Chalmers' proposed CGT changes. CGT changes could reduce investment flows into renewable projects and affect project financing costs and development timelines.

The Energy (3)

Consumer duty rule change gets ministerial support for principles-based regulation. A rule change request is coming as the push for more principles-based regulation continues with ministerial backing. Signals potential shift toward principles-based regulatory framework that could affect market participant compliance approaches.

The Energy (4)

Government provides more detail on gas reservation policy in pre-budget announcements. The government continued its pre-budget announceables with additional details on the gas reservation policy implementation. Gas reservation policy details affect domestic supply security and pricing for gas-fired generation and industrial users.

RenewEconomy (3)

Landholder-led 4-hour battery receives federal environmental approval in four weeks. A battery storage project proposed by farming landholders received EPBC environmental approval in just over four weeks. Fast-track federal approvals signal streamlined processes for community-led battery projects, potentially accelerating storage deployment.

Clean Energy Regulator

Previously reported 8 May — First Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin certificates approved by CER: The Clean Energy Regulator has approved the first certificates under the new Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin scheme.

Climate Change Authority

Previously reported 8 May — Climate Change Authority Chair urges building electrification for energy security: Authority Chair Matt Kean promoted electrification of efficient buildings to reduce costs and strengthen energy security.

Infrastructure Australia

Infrastructure Australia unveils new Infrastructure Priority List with 68 proposals. Infrastructure Australia released its new Infrastructure Priority List identifying 68 highest priority infrastructure proposals for investment over the next decade. The priority list provides strategic direction for government infrastructure investment decisions affecting energy and transport projects.

Smart Energy Council (2)

PowerPlus Energy Awarded $2.3m ARENA Grant for Local Battery Manufacturing. PowerPlus Energy received $2.3 million ARENA funding to expand domestic battery pack manufacturing capabilities in Australia. Government backing for local battery manufacturing supports supply chain resilience and domestic clean energy industry development.

Energy Networks Australia

AEMC pricing review addresses fixed charges impact on consumer energy resources. Energy Networks Australia discusses AEMC pricing review findings on higher fixed charges and consumer energy resources implications. Pricing structure changes could significantly affect distributed energy resource adoption and network cost recovery mechanisms.

Energy Consumers Australia

AEMC releases draft determination on enhancing distribution network planning and reporting. Energy Consumers Australia welcomed AEMC's draft determination focusing on consumer-focused distribution network planning requirements. Changes to network planning rules could affect infrastructure investment decisions and consumer costs.

Infrastructure Australia (2)

Billions injected into energy and housing infrastructure pipeline reversing decline. Government investment in energy and housing projects injected tens of billions into Australia's infrastructure pipeline, reversing a two-year decline. Increased energy infrastructure investment signals stronger government commitment to clean energy transition and grid modernization.

Australian Energy Regulator (2)

AER publishes draft FERM Scheme Regulator guideline for consultation. Draft FERM Scheme Regulator guideline released for public consultation until May 19, 2026. New regulatory framework will guide transmission network regulation and investment decision-making processes.

Australian Energy Regulator (3)

AER releases inaugural wholesale gas market performance report for 2026. The AER published its first wholesale gas performance report assessing east coast gas market performance. Establishes new regulatory oversight framework for wholesale gas market transparency and performance monitoring.

Australian Energy Regulator (4)

AER approves cost pass through applications from five electricity distributors. Cost pass through applications approved for AusNet Services, Jemena, CPU, Evoenergy and Energex covering regulatory changes. Allows network operators to recover incremental costs from recent regulatory changes and cyclone damage.

Industry & Market

The Energy (5)

Developers show lukewarm support for voluntary project ratings scheme. The voluntary ratings scheme has received lukewarm support from developers as renewable projects continue ramping up. Low uptake could prompt regulators to consider mandatory rating requirements or policy adjustments for project standards.

Energy Magazine Australia

Microsoft announces $25 billion Australian data centre and cybersecurity investment. Microsoft CEO announced a $25 billion investment in Australian data centres and cybersecurity infrastructure last week. Large-scale data centre investment will significantly increase electricity demand and grid planning requirements.

Energy Magazine Australia (2)

Australia's largest transmission project EnergyConnect nears completion. The 1600km EnergyConnect transmission project is approaching completion as a key nationwide energy transition infrastructure. Completion will enable greater renewable energy sharing between states and improve grid stability.

Energy Magazine Australia (4)

Marinus Link progresses to support Tasmania-Victoria electricity transmission needs. Marinus Link development continues with early works underway to supplement existing 500MW Basslink transmission capacity. Additional transmission capacity will unlock Tasmania's renewable resources and strengthen NEM interconnection.

Energy Networks Australia (2)

ENA criticizes delayed EV charging reform causing petrol supply anxiety. Energy Networks Australia states delayed electric vehicle charging reforms have left Australians exposed to petrol supply concerns. Highlights infrastructure policy delays potentially affecting Australia's transport electrification and energy security transition.

State & Territory

The Energy

NSW fast-tracks renewables with new legislation enshrining existing streamlined approach. New NSW legislation enshrines existing renewable approval approach as federal government seeks bilateral agreements for streamlined approvals. Could accelerate NSW renewable development timelines and influence federal-state approval coordination models in other jurisdictions.

EnergyCo NSW

NSW announces $183m road upgrade funding for renewable energy zones. NSW government committed $183 million for road infrastructure improvements to support renewable energy zone development across the state. Infrastructure funding reduces development costs and risks for clean energy projects in designated zones.

RenewEconomy

LNP transmission roadmap review plan criticized as risking blackouts. Opposition plan to review state transmission roadmap and pause major network upgrades criticized by energy minister as potentially causing blackouts. Policy uncertainty over transmission infrastructure could delay critical grid upgrades and affect investor confidence in network projects.

EnergyCo NSW (2)

New England REZ transmission corridor refined to minimise environmental impacts. EnergyCo NSW has refined the New England REZ transmission corridor route to reduce community and environmental impacts. Route refinements could affect project timelines, costs and approval processes for major transmission infrastructure.

RenewEconomy (2)

LNP proposes review of state transmission roadmap and pause upgrades. Opposition plans to review transmission infrastructure planning and halt major network upgrades if elected. Could significantly delay critical transmission investments needed for renewable energy integration.

RenewEconomy (4)

Victoria Big Battery extension project nears financial close for construction. Listed fund approaches financial completion for wind and storage projects with Victoria Big Battery extension prioritized. Signals expansion of Australia's largest grid-scale battery facility to enhance system reliability.

Smart Energy Council

Major Boost to Western Australia Energy System Backed by Firmed Renewables. Western Australia's energy system receives significant enhancement through new firmed renewable energy developments over the weekend. Grid stability improvements through firmed renewables could influence broader Australian renewable integration policy approaches.

PV Magazine Australia

Western Australia First Nations community solar battery project approved. Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation received approval for solar and 3.25 MW battery energy storage project development. Signals government support for remote community energy independence and Indigenous-led renewable energy projects.

Western Australia Energy

WA Opens Consultation on Alternative Electricity Services Code of Practice. Western Australia opened consultation on April 14, 2026 for the Alternative Electricity Services Code of Practice for OPS services. New regulatory framework could affect market entry requirements and operational standards for alternative electricity service providers.

Australian Energy Regulator

Victorian electricity network final revenue decisions published for 2026-31 period. AER released final revenue determinations for Victorian distribution networks supporting targeted investment and consumer needs. Sets allowed revenue and investment framework for Victorian electricity networks over five-year regulatory period.

Energy Magazine Australia (3)

Victoria's offshore wind auction critical for project development progress. Developer of Australia's most advanced offshore wind project emphasizes importance of Victoria's upcoming offshore wind auction. Successful auction outcomes will determine viability and timeline of Australia's emerging offshore wind sector.