We are the Australian Energy Council

We are the peak body for energy retailers and generators operating in competitive markets. Our members generate and sell energy to over 10 million homes and businesses and are committed to delivering a reliable, affordable and decarbonised energy system for consumers. 
The AEC supports net zero by 2050 and recognises the electricity sector’s role in reducing Australia’s emissions.  
Our members are major investors in renewables, firming and storage technologies that are critical to ensuring customers continue to receive reliable and sustainable energy supply as we navigate the energy transition.  

Latest Analysis

Wild Cards: Could these technologies advance the energy transition?

Wild Cards: Could these technologies advance the energy transition?

In December 2022, scientists at the National Ignition Facility achieved a landmark nuclear fusion result: a reaction that produced more energy than the laser pulse used to start it. It made headlines globally, but the caveats came quickly. Overall system energy use was still far higher, and commercial viability remains decades away. It was a real breakthrough, but also a reminder of how far the engineering still has to go. That gap between scientific progress and commercial reality is a defining feature of the energy transition today. While solar, wind, and batteries are scaling rapidly and doing most of the heavy lifting, the International Energy Agency estimates that nearly half of the emissions reductions needed for net zero will depend on technologies still at demonstration stage or earlier. This raises the key question: which “wild card” technologies could help close that gap?We take a look.

BY Tom Monaghan Apr 23 2026
Where’s the energy for new gas generation?

Where’s the energy for new gas generation?

The importance of gas-powered generation (GPG) to our energy system is well recognised, with system planners and market operators often seeing it as an essential “last line of defence.” The role of gas generation has been further highlighted by two recent papers: the Australian Energy Council’s Energy2050 Vision for the Future Energy System and the policy paper “Are gas turbines ‘bankable’ in energy-only markets?” published by Griffith and Cambridge Universities. Despite this clear and ongoing need, investment in new gas-fired generation remains limited, raising important questions about market settings, policy signals and the future role of dispatchable capacity in a transitioning grid — we take a look.

BY Carl Kitchen Apr 16 2026
Addressing Energy Affordability Needs More Than Short-Term Relief

Addressing Energy Affordability Needs More Than Short-Term Relief

The conflict in the Middle East has continued to highlight the challenges we face in ensuring energy supply remains accessible and affordable for everyone. Ensuring Australia becomes more resilient to international energy price shocks will dominate the energy policy landscape for some time, and rightfully so. But while political debate often gravitates toward regulatory interventions and subsidies that deliver short term household bill relief, the real solution lies in something far more complex: reshaping how the energy system works for consumers. What’s increasingly clear is that energy affordability is not just about price - it’s about design. That is why the AEC is releasing its Affordability Action Agenda today – an 8-point plan of critical actions that industry and governments need to take to ensure that energy remains accessible and affordable for all Australians. Read more.

BY Louisa Kinnear Apr 09 2026
Energy2050: Building the ‘Light on the Hill’ for Australia’s Net-Zero Future

Energy2050: Building the ‘Light on the Hill’ for Australia’s Net-Zero Future

Today, we are pleased to publish an important report for the Australian Energy Council and the energy industry. Energy2050 is intended to be a vision statement, providing a practical illustration of what it will take to deliver a net zero energy system while balancing affordability, reliability and sustainability. Read more.

BY David Feeney Apr 02 2026
Benefits of Membership

Australian Energy Council members have access to a range of industry benefits and services.

Latest News

Statement on the Victorian Government’s Midday Power Saver Offer

Statement on the Victorian Government’s Midday Power Saver Offer

The Australian Energy Council (AEC), the peak body for energy generators and retailers,acknowledged theVictorian Government'sdecisiontodayto introducea MiddayPowerSaveroffer.

Mar 25 2026

Latest Reports

Conference 2026 - Program
REPORT Continue Reading I  PDF

Conference 2026 - Program

The inaugural Australian Energy Council Conference 2026 is the AEC's flagship national event which will bring together senior leaders from across Australia’s energy landscape to explore the future of the energy system. Under this year’s theme, Energy2050: Mapping the Way Forward, the Conference will examine the opportunities, challenges and innovations shaping Australia’s transition over the next quarter century. Click here to see the conference's program.

Apr 22 2026
Energy2050 - NEM
REPORT Continue Reading I  PDF

Energy2050 - NEM

Today, we are pleased to publish an important report for the Australian Energy Council and the energy industry. Energy2050 is intended to be a vision statement, providing a practical illustration of what it will take to deliver a net zero energy system while balancing affordability, reliability and sustainability.

Apr 02 2026
Energy2050 - SWIS
REPORT Continue Reading I  PDF

Energy2050 - SWIS

Today, we are pleased to publish an important report for the Australian Energy Council and the energy industry. Energy2050 is intended to be a vision statement, providing a practical illustration of what it will take to deliver a net zero energy system while balancing affordability, reliability and sustainability.

Apr 02 2026
Energy2050 - Shortform NEM
REPORT Continue Reading I  PDF

Energy2050 - Shortform NEM

Today, we are pleased to publish an important report for the Australian Energy Council and the energy industry. Energy2050 is intended to be a vision statement, providing a practical illustration of what it will take to deliver a net zero energy system while balancing affordability, reliability and sustainability.

Apr 02 2026
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