Statement in response to AEMC Integrated System Plan framework discussion paper

Energy Consumers Australia response to the AEMC Integrated System Plan framework discussion paper.

Quotes attributable to Ben Willey – Manager, Analysis and Advocacy at Energy Consumers Australia

"We welcome the AEMC's ambition with the review of the Integrated System Plan. The Integrated System Plan is critical in shaping Australia's energy future and consumers' long term energy costs.

"Australia is transitioning to a net-zero energy system and the Integrated System Plan must evolve to reflect the changing role of consumers. To ensure the Integrated System Plan delivers a genuinely least-cost, whole-of-system plan, the modelling should progressively move towards co-optimising consumer energy resources (such as solar, batteries and electric vehicles) alongside grid generation, storage and transmission investments.

"The Integrated System Plan is a complex task, but improvements in demand forecasting, more sophisticated use of consumer data and greater transparency around assumptions will help stakeholders better understand and engage with the plan. A staged transition towards greater co-optimisation will help the evolution of the Integrated system Plan while maintaining confidence in the planning framework."

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