Responsibility for the administration of the Wholesale Electricity Market Rules and the Gas Services Information Rules has been transferred to Coordinator of Energy, Kate Ryan (pictured), supported by Energy Policy WA.
Minister for Energy, Bill Johnston said Ms Ryan would also be responsible for the continuing evolution of the energy market, including a number of market reviews, and would also administer the new Pilbara Network Rules.
“This will enable the Economic Regulation Authority to focus on economic regulation, price setting, licensing and compliance monitoring,” Mr Johnston said.
“Stakeholder engagement will be boosted by introducing an independent Chair for the Market Advisory Committee and Gas Advisory Board,” he said.
“Peter Kolf has been appointed to that position on an interim basis.”
Mr Johnston said Mr Kolf led the former Rule Change Panel and was previously Chair of the Independent Market Operator.
“A process to recruit a permanent Chair will begin in the coming months,” he said.
“The improved governance framework consolidates roles and responsibilities to best serve all Western Australian energy consumers.”
The Minister thanked members of the former Rule Change Panel, including Mr Kolf, Shaun Dennison and Roland Sleeman “who have made considerable contributions to the Western Australian energy sector in this important role since 2015”.
“I would also like to thank the Economic Regulation Authority, the Australian Energy Market Operator and industry for their support and assistance implementing these changes,” Mr Johnston said.
