As Australia's grid transforms, the rules that once kept the lights on are being rewritten for a cleaner, smarter energy future. In this episode of SIEWCast, MoneyFM 89.3's Lynlee Foo speaks with Justin Oliver, Deputy Chair, Australian Energy Regulator (AER). They discuss how regulation itself must evolve, balancing investment, innovation, and consumer protection. Mr Oliver explains keeping regulation "fit for purpose". This ensures consumers benefit from new technologies, and strengthens trust as systems evolve towards net zero.
Show Notes:
In this episode, we discuss…
- How the AER is keeping regulation fit for purpose as renewables and new technologies reshape Australia's grid.
- Why consumer protection remains central as households become active participants in the market.
- How the AER balances affordability, reliability, and investments to deliver long-term value for consumers.
- What community batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and virtual power plants reveal about the future of energy use.
- How regional knowledge sharing helps regulators and markets build stronger, more resilient energy systems.
Key takeaways
01:14 | Adapting regulation for the transition Mr Tan highlights strong momentum in renewable energy, with about 500GW added globally last year. China leads deployment, while ASEAN economies such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are expanding capacity alongside advances in digitalisation and grid technology. |
03:32 | Maintaining reliability as coal retires As traditional generation exits the system, the AER is overseeing investments in technologies such as synchronous condensers and batteries to maintain strength and stability. |
04:51 | Regulation "fit for purpose" Mr Oliver highlights the need to update rules written for yesterday's grid. Future consumers will use, store, and trade electricity. Regulation must evolve to protect them fairly in this changing market.
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07:31 | Balancing cost and investment The AER ensures transmission projects are efficient and deliver long-term value for consumers. Regulation mirrors competitive discipline in monopoly systems to keep prices fair while enabling vital infrastructure. |
09:29 | The active consumer Rooftop solar and distributed energy are turning households into market participants. Mr Oliver points to opportunities for shared storage and virtual power plants that can return value to more consumers. |
11:36 | Building systems today for tomorrow Mr Oliver stresses that regional collaboration is key to the transition. Sharing lessons helps regulators and market operators make better, evidence-based decisions and build more resilient energy systems. |
About our guest Justin Oliver was appointed Deputy Chair of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) in 2024, after serving as a Board Member since 2020. He was previously a partner at MinterEllison, specialising in competition law and energy regulation. Earlier in his career, he led the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) regulatory law practice, advising on energy, communications, and transport regulation. He became AER's first Head of Legal when it was established in 2005. Over two decades, Mr Olliver has advised governments, regulators, and industry participants across Australia's energy sector. His experience spans gas pipeline access, electricity network determinations, policy reform, and compliance under national energy laws.
He holds a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Monash University. |
Additional Resources
- Mr Justin Oliver's bio
- Mr Oliver's keynote speech on challenges of regulating a transitioning energy system
- AER's Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025
- Rooftop solar transforming how Australia's energy market operates
- AER updates guidelines to integrating energy storage systems
- AER trials on community batteries and EV charging
- AEMO Integrated System Plan
You can find the transcript of this episode here.
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