How Australia's Electricity System Works

Ever nodded along while someone said "AEMO", "the NEM" or "network tariffs", and quietly had no idea what they meant? You're not alone.

Australia's electricity system involves a surprising number of organisations, rules and acronyms. If you're keen on electrification and the energy transition, it helps to understand how it all fits together.

Join Simon, an electrical engineer with a gift for plain speaking, for a jargon-free tour of the system. No technical background needed.

You'll come away understanding:

• Where electricity comes from and how it gets to your home (think freeways and local streets)

• Who's who: the organisations that make the rules, enforce them and keep the lights on

• What the NEM actually is and why each state has different prices

• Why your power bill is so confusing, and what tariffs and smart meters mean.

• What dozens of acronyms stand for.

Who it's for: Anyone curious about the energy transition, whether you're electrifying your home, your business or just your knowledge.

There'll be plenty of time for questions.

Simon English is a professional engineer who has been working in the electricity sector for the last 15 yrs. During this period he has been involved in various parts of the “energy ecosystem” and has a good understanding of how the current energy system operates. 

Prior to this he had spent 20+ yrs working with the commercial and industrial “customer” side of the energy equation in industries as diverse as university campuses, commercial buildings, airports and large manufacturing facilities.