Final Report from the Energy Security Taskforce

Independent review

In February 2017, the NSW Minister for Energy and Utilities established the Energy Security Taskforce, chaired by the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, to advise on the resilience of the NSW electricity system and how well NSW manages energy emergencies. Risk-e Business Consultants were chosen as the as the subject matter expert on Emergency Management, namely Dave Owens. Dave brings to the table a wealth of expertise in the emergency management arena having been the State Emergency Operations Controller during his time with the New South Police Force.

In the area of emergency management, Dave set about to initiate several key policies for the adequate management of the supply chain for electricity to the consumer, preparation for times of shortage and disaster plans for instances of critical outages and supply or infrastructure disruption. More importantly he devised approaches for the recovery from such disasters in timely and efficient manners whilst keeping core focus on balancing customer need with organisational objectives.

The Government accepted all seven recommendations made by the Taskforce in its Initial Report and the Department of Planning & Environment (DPE) has made significant progress in implementing these recommendations. Key progress includes:

• the development of the Electricity Supply Amendment (Emergency Management) Act 2017 to improve the speed and ease with which the Government can respond to an energy emergency

• strengthening the Energy and Utility Service Functional Area within DPE to improve the structural processes underpinning the management of energy emergencies in NSW to ensure a stronger link between energy management and emergency management

• the development of a new Energy and Utility Service Functional Area Supporting Plan and commencement of drafting an Electricity Supply Emergency Sub Plan

• the coordination of energy emergency management exercises involving both emergency management and energy personnel

• the development of communication materials to assist the public prepare for the upcoming summer

• establishment of a working group to develop protocols for government agencies in NSW and the ACT to reduce electricity demand and increase behind-the-meter supply during peak periods of energy use

• appointment of new staff to key senior positions within the energy team in the Department.

This second and final report of the Taskforce takes a longer-term view of the security and reliability risks NSW may face as the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the NSW electricity system transitions. The Taskforce also looked at the strategic opportunities for NSW during this period of change.

Risk-e Business Consultants can also assist your company in performing a full impact analysis to assess your vulnerability, criticality and recovery from small, medium and large scale emergencies.