Energy Networks Australia has welcomed a Federal Opposition commitment to supporting new electricity transmission development as part of its energy policy announced today.

CEO Andrew Dillon said the proposal for a $5 billion investment fund to support projects aligned with those identified by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in its Integrated System Plan (ISP) was a positive move.

“Around the world, we are seeing a move to greater connection between generation sources and customers as grids modernise to integrate more variable renewable generation,” Mr Dillon said.

“Australia needs better connection between regions and across states so energy can be more efficiently moved around the national system. A key benefit of this is more competition in wholesale markets, which means downward pressure on prices for customers.”