Are electricity network investment regulatory processes fit-for-purpose in Australia? A review

Chief investigator

A/Prof. Anne Kallies (RMIT)

A/Prof. Zsuzsanna Csereklyei (RMIT)

Purpose of project

Australia’s energy transition demands regulatory frameworks that match the pace of innovation and investment. This project will conduct a comprehensive review of electricity network investment processes to assess whether they are set to deliver the innovation and speed needed to unlock Australia’s renewable energy potential. The project will evaluate the regulatory framework, including recent regulatory changes and will compare Australia’s approach with international best practices. 

Among others, the project will review investment tests and innovation mechanisms, to assess their potential for accelerating renewable energy deployment while balancing reliability, cost-effectiveness, and community interests. This research bridges critical knowledge gaps by assessing both substantive and procedural elements of planning and investment processes, that can either enable or constrain network investment and planning success. 

Impact of project

Economic and regulatory clarity drives results – the research findings will help enable more timely and spatially optimal network investments that directly accelerate Australia’s energy transition. The facilitation of efficient network investment has the potential to reduce current renewable energy curtailment. Policy makers, regulators, network operators, and consumer advocates will gain actionable insights that can transform how Australia approaches energy infrastructure, ultimately delivering improved operational efficiency across energy networks and measurable progress toward national decarbonization goals for every electricity customer. 

Project partners – industry and research

RMIT (Lead), Endeavour Energy