Statement of Strategic Intent
The Australian Energy Council is the peak industry body for electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in the competitive wholesale and retail energy markets. AEC members generate and sell energy to 10 million homes and businesses and are major investors in renewable energy generation. The AEC supports reaching net-zero by 2050 as well as a 55 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035 and is committed to delivering the energy transition for the benefit of consumers.
Latest Analysis
Twenty-Five Years of Rooftop Solar: Who were the Pioneers?
Australia’s energy landscape has transformed dramatically over the past 25 years, driven in part by the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 and the introduction of renewable energy certificates in 2001. Through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, households have been incentivised to install rooftop solar with the help of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). From just 118 rooftop systems in 2001, over four million Australian homes now generate their own power. We take a closer look at regional trends in solar adoption, beginning with the early pioneers and the trajectory of small-scale PV uptake across the country.
Gas in the NEM: Is there a case for a new and expanded RERT?
Gas-powered generation (GPG) will be essential to maintaining reliability in the National Electricity Market (NEM) as coal exits and the grid becomes increasingly reliant on variable renewable energy (VRE) and storage. However, current market settings and investment mechanisms are failing to support the GPG capacity needed for both regular firming and emergency insurance against high-impact, low-probability (HILP) VRE droughts. We take a closer look at whether a new and expanded Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader (RERT) framework could provide a viable pathway to deliver insurance GPG outside the market without distorting competitive outcomes.
NEM Expert Review: Key areas and direction come into sharper focus
The National Electricity Market (NEM) Review Expert Panel is currently conducting public forums. The Australian Energy Council attended the Sydney forum, where the Panel shared insights gathered from market participants through submissions and bilateral discussions, and presented indicative directions for feedback. The strong attendance at the Sydney forum indicates the importance attached to the review within the energy sector. With further forums planned through to early June, we take a look at what we learnt, what happens next and what we see as the key areas for focus.
Climate and energy: What do the next three years hold?
With Labor being returned to Government for a second term, this time with an increased majority, the next three years will represent a litmus test for how Australia is tracking to meet its signature 2030 targets of 43 per cent emissions reduction and 82 per cent renewable generation, and not to mention, the looming 2035 target. With significant obstacles laying ahead, the Government will need to hit the ground running. We take a look at some of the key projections and checkpoints throughout the next term.
Australian Energy Council members have access to a range of industry benefits and services.
Latest News
Extended Battery Support Welcomed by Peak Body
The Australian Energy Council, the peak body for energy retailers and generators, welcomes the recent announcements by the New South Wales, Western Australia and Federal Governments that they will expand the battery incentive for households and small businesses.
Latest Reports
Solar Report: First Quarter 2025 
In the first quarter of 2025, rooftop solar capacity for homes and businesses in Australia surpassed 26 GW, with over 4.1 million photovoltaic systems now in operation, according to the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). Alongside these latest figures, we examine solar adoption rates 25 years after the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 established the market for renewable energy certificates (RECs). We also take a closer look at the levelised cost of energy and the current payback period for residential solar systems.
Stocktake of Certificate Schemes
Retailer certificate schemes have been growing in popularity in recent years as a policy mechanism to help deliver the energy transition. This report puts forward some recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of these schemes. It also includes a deeper dive into the Victorian Energy Upgrades program and South Australian Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme.
Solar Report: Year of 2024
The penetration of Australian rooftop photovoltaics (PV) in the energy market continues to rise and last year contributed 12.95 per cent (approximately 30,500 GWh) of the nation’s total electricity generation. This is an increase from 11.72 per cent (around 26,900 GWh) on the previous year, reflecting the growing role of rooftop PV in Australia’s renewable energy transition. In addition to the latest installation statistics, we take a look at other developments with rooftop solar, including the growing waste problem and the current payback period.
AEMO's budget framework - analysis and options for change
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recently submitted a rule change proposal in Western Australia to amend the way its budget is set. The changes would have resulted in a shift from a fully regulated model to a NEM-like unregulated approach. Stakeholders raised concerns the proposed rule change would reduce transparency and accountability, and Energy Policy WA rejected the proposal last week. At the same time AEMO lodged its rule change proposal, the Australian Energy Council engaged Rennie Advisory to identify the root causes for what have become AEMO’s unpredictable and steadily rising costs. This report by Rennie Advisory looks at AEMO’s rule change proposal, identifies issues within the budget framework and offers some options that could be considered.
Latest Submissions
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Submissions I PDF
Draft determination and interim authorisation (AA100688-1)
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Submissions I PDF
Better Energy Customer Experiences
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Submissions I PDF
NEM Participant Fee Structure Review
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But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account. #Exercitation #IIamc
But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer. #Exercitation #IIamc
But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account. #Exercitation #IIamc
But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer. #Exercitation #IIamc
But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account. #Exercitation #IIamc