The Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) has welcomed the appointments of Mr John Pierce as Chair and Mr Brian Spalding as Commissioner of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC). The appointments were announced today by the Governor of South Australia.
The AEMC is an independent national body established by statute. The AEMC is responsible for rule making, market development and policy advice concerning both electricity and gas markets. Its mission is to promote efficient, reliable and competitive energy markets in the interests of all Australians.
The Minister for Resources and Energy and MCE Chair, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said: "I would like to congratulate Mr Pierce and Mr Spalding on their appointments to the AEMC.
"As the new Chair of the AEMC, Mr Pierce will bring to the organisation strong strategic and policy leadership abilities and a deep understanding of investment, finance and market operation with respect to the energy sector. These are important skills to guide the AEMC in the next phase of national energy market development.
"Taking on the role of Commissioner of the AEMC, Mr Spalding will bring to the organisation detailed knowledge and experience of the energy market as well as a strong technical background. He is also well-known and respected by participants and stakeholders across the energy sector.
"The capabilities and skills of the new Commissioners will complement those of Commissioner Neville Henderson and ensure that the AEMC is capable of providing strong strategic direction in response to future challenges for the energy market and the AEMC. The MCE wants an innovative, efficient and reliable national energy market and we have high hopes for the AEMC in guiding the next phase of market development and reform.
Mr Pierce has over 20 years of diverse experience in the public sector with extensive knowledge of the energy industry and its stakeholders, having been involved in reforms to the NSW electricity industry and development of the national electricity market through COAG processes. He is a former Secretary of the New South Wales Treasury and more recently the Portfolio Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.
Minister Ferguson said: "In my role as the Commonwealth Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, I thank John for his contribution to the Department over the past year and wish him well in his new position."
Mr Spalding brings to the AEMC extensive experience, expertise and detailed knowledge of the energy market, garnered from roles within the energy industry and energy market operators including the Australian Energy Market Operator, National Electricity Market Management Company and Pacific Power.
The current Chair of the AEMC, Dr John Tamblyn, and Commissioner Ian Woodward will continue in their roles until early June 2010.
Minister Ferguson said: "Both Commissioners have made significant contributions to the establishment and leadership of the AEMC and on behalf of the MCE, I thank John and Ian for their work over the last five years and for their valuable support and advice to the Council."