Policy challenges crucial to energy industry

Paul Simshauser, Griffith Business School, in shirt and tie, arm leaning on ledge.
Professor Paul Simshauser AM

The recommendations of the inquiry into the Renewable Energy Target will be among the hot topics and policy challenges to be discussed by a group of energy experts in Brisbane on Monday.

Griffith University has linked up with AGL Energy for the latest in the Economic Policy Analysis Program (EPAP) series which will run the rule over a broad range of energy-related topics at South Bank.

EPAP Director, Dr Alex Robson, says the symposium’s focus is timely.

“Governments throughout Australia are grappling with a number of significant energy policy challenges,” he said.

“At the State level, the Newman Government is seeking to raiseover $30 billion from a range of privatisation proposals, including the sale of power generators CS Energy and Stanwell and private equity injections into Energex, Ergon and Powerlink.

“At the Federal level, the Abbott Government is expected to soon respond to the RET inquiry recommendations. According to recent estimates, this is a policy that will cost the Australian economy up to $28 billion and 5,000 jobs.”

The speakers and topics to be discussed are:

  • “Energy Industry — The Challenges Ahead”

Paul Simshauser, Chief Economics and Group Head of Corporate Affairs, AGL Energy and Professor of Economics, Griffith Business School

  • “Assessing Proposals for Asset Write-downs”

Garth Crawford, Executive Director, Economic Regulation, Energy Networks Association, Canberra

  • “Forecasting the Impact of Generation Mix on Wholesale Spot Electricity Prices in Australia”

Helen Higgs, Associate Professor of Economics, Griffith Business School

  • “NEM and RET: Complementary Policy or Policy Collision?”

Tim Nelson, Head of Economic Policy and Sustainability, AGL Energy

‘Emerging Issues in Energy Economics: A Symposium’ is presented by Griffith University’s Economic Policy Analysis Program (EPAP) and AGL Energy on Monday, September 15.

Time: 2pm — 5pm.

Venue: Webb Centre (S02, Level 7) at Griffith South Bank campus