Keeping the Lights on in the Energy Transition

Drinks with Paula Conboy & Alistair Parker

Hosted by Stan Krpan PSM

The future of energy generation is a hot topic. Whether it is our politicians, scientists, economists, the media or the pundits – it seems everyone has a have a view on the right energy mix and the energy sector’s future is increasingly contested and positions entrenched. How do we address the need for a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system that meets the needs of industry, commercial and residential consumers?

Australia’s energy system is in transition, as predominantly coal power stations reach their ended life and renewable energy investment grows. But how is the renewable energy rollout progressing and is an all-renewable future a viable option? Who is ultimately responsible for coordinating all of the moving parts of an unprecedented transformation of the energy system? What is the future of our coal power stations and the role of gas? Will nuclear ever be the solution?

Hear from the experts on the energy transition - how it is progressing and what is being done to ensure our energy system works and that we keep the lights on.

Paula Conboy is a member of the Expert Panel conducting a review of the wholesale market settings for the National Electricity Market. She serves on the Board of Directors at PJM Interconnection LLP, the largest Regional Transmission Operator in the United States, which supplies electricity to over 67 million people across 14 states and Washington, D.C. Additionally, she is a board member of the Energy Market Authority in Singapore.

Previously, Paula was on the board of Zen Energy Pty Ltd and served as the Chair of the Australian Energy Regulator. She has also been a board member of the Energy Security Board and the Ontario Energy Board. Earlier in her career, Paula held the position of Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs at PowerStream, one of Canada’s largest municipally owned electricity distribution companies.
 

Alistair Parker is the CEO of VicGrid, which leads the planning and development of Victorian Renewable Energy Zones. He has over 35 years’ experience in the energy industry, including a decade of executive leadership roles at AusNet Services in Victoria and the Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory. Alistair’s early career in the UK comprised 15 years with National Grid, as an engineer and in commercial roles. He was then a consultant with Ernst & Young in New Zealand and PricewaterhouseCoopers in Australia.

Don't miss the opportunity to hear directly from Paula and Alistair, and enrich your understanding of the issues at hand.